Scams
Reported Schemes Related to COVID-19
The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General released a memorandum regarding schemes related to COVID-19. Unfortunately, there have been reports received throughout the United States of individuals and businesses engaging in a wide range of fraudulent and criminal behavior. These criminal behaviors include, but are not limited to:
- 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
The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office would like to stress to the community to take caution when receiving phone calls or offers of assistance from unreliable sources relating to COVID-19. Citizens are encouraged to report these types of schemes immediately to a law enforcement agency.
California State Sheriffs' Association
As a reminder, here are five things you can do to avoid a Coronavirus scam:
- No Early Access to Relief Checks: Beware of spam calls claiming to have early access to relief checks. No one has early access and anyone claiming to is a scammer. While the timeline for check distribution is not finalized, scammers are using the lack of detail to try and trick people into giving their personal information and money.
- Ignore Offers for Vaccinations and Home Test Kits: Scammers are selling home test kits and vaccinations without proof that they work. There are no products to treat or prevent the Coronavirus at this time.
- Hang Up on Robo Calls: Scammers are using Robo calls to illegally sell products, such as home fumigation and sterilization services, in order to get your personal information.
- Research Before You Donate: Don’t let anyone rush you into writing a check and making a donation. Verify the charity organization’s website before making donations. Get tips for donating wisely at ftc.gov/charity.
- Watch Out for Phishing Emails and Text Messages: Don’t click on links in email and text messages you didn’t expect.
Tips: Do Not Click Links in Scam COVID-19 Text Messages
Police Departments is warning the public about phishing scam involving COVID-19.
Recreating in Lassen County:
On April 16, 2020, Dr. Korver, the Lassen County Health Officer, Lassen County’s Public Health Department and law enforcement agencies remind everyone to continue practicing protective measures whether you are enjoying the outdoors or are in town on an essential trip. After making great strides in slowing infection rates and bending the curve these past weeks, we cannot let our guard down against this virus. Therefore, to exercise or recreate close to home while following essential safety and social distancing laws.
The Lassen County’s Public Health Department and law enforcement agencies urge residents to recreate close to home and minimize contact with others. It is important to use good personal protective measures while recreating: avoid recreating in groups, maintain social distancing of 6 feet at all times, avoid crowded areas like trailheads and parking lots, wash your hands and use hand sanitizer often. In short, enjoy the outdoors but do it in a safe, isolated, and individual manner. If you are not a resident of Lassen County, please do not come to Lassen County to recreate until this crisis is over and the Governor’s March 19, 2020 Stay-at-Home order has been rescinded.
• Snow sports - Practice snow sports and activities like snowmobiling or cross country skiing individually or in small household groups. Avoid other groups and observe strict social distancing at trailheads, picnic areas and parking area
• Court sports - Avoid any activity with shared equipment. Basketball, tennis, pickle ball are all high risk activities where it is nearly impossible to avoid close contact with others. These activities should be avoided.
• Boating and fishing - Follow all state regulations for safe and legal activities. Avoid crowded boat ramps or fishing areas. Find another place to recreate if you don’t have several yards between you and your neighbor.
• Camping and RV Parks - Unless you are an essential worker performing essential duties, congregate camping is not permitted. Do not bring your RV or come to Lassen County to camp. If you have a seasonal RV at a local park, keep it vacant until it is safe to use it.
• Hiking, biking and horseback riding - Avoid crowded trailheads. If you meet someone on a trail, don’t stop to talk. Give plenty of space to allow passing at a safe distance.
In summary, if you are not in already in Lassen County, please do not come here. Everyone can walk, run, hike and bike in their local community, and nearby forests. When the COVID-19 crisis is over, we will be happy to share our beautiful county with you but until then, please exercise and recreate close to home.
Does COVID-19 Effect Your Pets?
We’re still learning about how #COVID19 affects animals, but it appears that people can spread the virus to animals in some situations. Until we know more, limit contact with pets if you are sick or feeling sick. For more info, see: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html.
Why does Plumas County have more testing than Lassen County?
"Increased testing leads to quicker identification of cases and allows for isolation of positive individuals to prevent spread. It also helps identify others who came into contact with infected people. It is with this in mind that Dr. Mark Satterfield, Plumas County Public Health Officer has recommended to all health care facilities and health care providers to “expand COVID-19 testing to less symptomatic patients and those with concerning travel or COVID-19 exposure history”. According to Dr. Satterfield, “there’s good evidence 25% or more infected people have minimal or no symptoms”.
What to do if my driver license is going to expire?
The California Department of Motor Vehicles is extending driver licenses expiring during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Licenses for drivers younger than 70 that expire between March and May 2020 are now valid through May 31, 2020.