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COVID-19 Fraud Schemes, South Dakota 2023
SIOUX FALLS, SD – United States Attorney Ron Parsons of the District of South Dakota is urging the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus). The public can 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.
In coordination with Attorney General William Barr, U.S. Attorneys have been directed to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes. 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.
“The Department of Justice continues to fulfill its critical mission during this critical time, and we remain open for business. Our primary goal is to do everything we can to maintain safety and security throughout our district,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Fraud related to COVID-19 is particularly disturbing as it exploits a national crisis for personal gain. Be assured that those who seek to defraud or exploit others will be held accountable.”
Some examples of COVID-19 schemes include: Individuals and businesses selling fake cures or fake testing kits 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.
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 District of South Dakota’s Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman.
The NCDF 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 NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
The U.S. Attorney also warns of hoarding and price gouging of critical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have information on hoarding or price gouging of critical supplies, you can report it without leaving your home to the National Center for Disaster Fraud by calling the National Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or by emailing disaster@leo.gov.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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