COVID-19 fraud schemes? Call the National Center for Disaster Fraud

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The U.S. Attorney urges the public to report fraud schemes related to COVID-19 to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF).

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In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.

“This U.S. Attorney's Office is open for business and we still have plenty of room in jail for those who try to line their own pockets through fraud during this pandemic," U.S. Attorney DeVillers said.

"I've instructed my district to ignore dollar amount or victim number thresholds usually needed for federal prosecutions. Those reprehensible enough to take advantage of our worried citizens will pay the price."

Coronavirus fraud schemes may include:

  • People or businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online.
  • Phishing emails from groups posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
  • Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
  • Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.

The NCDF can be reached by calling the hotline at 1-866-720-5721.

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