March 23, 2020 (Gephardt Daily) — U.S. Attorney for Utah John W. Huber is urging Utahns to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19.
A news release from the U.S. Department of Justice said Attorney General William P. Barr has directed all U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of coronavirus-related fraud schemes. In a follow-up memorandum, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen further directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a coronavirus fraud coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the coronavirus, direct the prosecution of coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness.
Some examples of these schemes include:
- 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.
The National Center for Disaster Fraud can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes, the news release said.
The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
Utahns are encouraged to report fraud schemes calling the NCDF hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or by e-mail at [email protected].
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
