HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Local leaders are calling for folks to be vigilant and not fall for scams related to the coronavirus.
In a press release Friday, U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town urged the public to report potential fraud schemes related to COVID-19 by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address disaster@leo.gov.
According to the press release, this warning comes as Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of coronavirus fraud schemes.
“Alabamians and Americans need to remain vigilant and not fall for the fraudsters, hucksters, and con artists," said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, Jay Town. "The Department of Justice and all of our law enforcement partners resolve to investigate and prosecute anyone seeking to illegally gain from this crisis. Our elder population are often targets. Let’s not wash away our common sense. Be aware! Be alert! Be sensible! We resolve to be vigilant.”
Some examples of these schemes were included in the press release:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities 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.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit the Department of Justice's COVID-19 page on their website.
