Fraud and Scams for 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.

 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.