The COVID-19 pandemic has created fraudulent opportunities according to The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). DOJ has warned of scammers who are attempting to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide through a variety of scams. DOJ has reported the following fraudulent schemes related to COVID-19:
- Robocalls making fraudulent offers to sell respirator masks with no intent of delivery;
- Fake COVID-19 related apps and websites that install malware or ransomware;
- Phishing emails asking for money or presenting malware;
- Social media scams fraudulently seeking donations or claiming to provide stimulus funds if the recipient enters his or her bank account number;
- Sales of fake testing kits, cures, “immunity” pills, and protective equipment;
- Fraudulent offers for free COVID-19 testing in order to obtain Medicare beneficiary information that is used to submit false medical claims for unrelated, unnecessary, or fictitious testing or services;
- Prescription drug schemes involving the submission of medical claims for unnecessary antiretroviral treatments or other drugs that are marketed as purported cures for COVID-19;
- Robberies of patients departing from hospitals or doctor offices;
- Threats of violence against mayors and other public officials; and
- Threats to intentionally infect other people.
To learn more about fraud, please contact our office.
