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COVID-19 Fraud Perpetrators to Face Justice, New York 2023
ALBANY, NEW YORK – In a bold move to combat COVID-19-related scams, United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith has issued a stern warning to individuals and businesses engaging in these illicit activities.
Jaquith urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or by emailing disaster@leo.gov. The NCDF Hotline 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.
Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes. The move comes in response to a surge in COVID-19-related scams, including individuals and businesses selling fake cures online, phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to devices until payment is received.
Other examples of these schemes include seeking donations for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations and medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also 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 activities. The Northern District of New York Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Rosenthal.
To find more about federal resources and information on COVID-19-related scams, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
The full law enforcement resources of the United States will be employed to investigate and prosecute fraud committed during this time of national crisis, said United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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