COVID-19 Scammers, Pandemic Fraud, New Jersey 2020

NEWARK, N.J. – As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the nation, a new wave of scams has emerged, preying on the fears and vulnerabilities of the public. U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito of the District of New Jersey is urging citizens to be vigilant and report any suspected fraud schemes.

In a press release, Carpenito highlighted the dangers of COVID-19 scams, which include 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 gain access to devices until payment is received.

“Unfortunately, we have already seen examples in New Jersey of unscrupulous people trying to take advantage of this global pandemic to cheat frightened citizens and the government out of money,” Carpenito said. “Our mission to protect the public is as important now as ever, and we will investigate and prosecute these fraudsters with every resource we have.”

To report suspected COVID-19 scams, citizens can call the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or submit a complaint online at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.

In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen 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 COVID-19 pandemic, direct the prosecution of COVID-19-related crimes, and conduct outreach and awareness activities. The District of New Jersey Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Daniel Shapiro, Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

To find more about resources and information related to COVID-19, visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito warned that scammers will stop at nothing to take advantage of the pandemic, and it’s up to citizens to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Related Federal Cases