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COVID Scammers Exploit Vulnerable Population in Nevada
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — In a growing threat to the public, scammers have devised numerous methods for defrauding people in connection with COVID-19. U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI warned of several new fraud schemes seeking to exploit the evolving coronavirus public health emergency.
Scammers are setting up websites, contacting people by phone and email, and posting disinformation on social media platforms. The most common scams linked to COVID-19 include testing scams, treatment scams, supply scams, provider scams, charity scams, phishing scams, app scams, and investment scams.
Testing scams involve scammers selling fake at-home test kits or going door-to-door performing fake tests for money. Treatment scams involve scammers offering to sell fake cures, vaccines, and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19. Supply scams involve scammers creating fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses claiming to sell medical supplies currently in high demand, such as surgical masks.
Provider scams involve scammers contacting people by phone and email, pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19, and demanding payment for that treatment. Charity scams involve scammers soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas affected by COVID-19.
Phishing scams involve scammers posing as national and global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sending phishing emails designed to trick recipients into downloading malware or providing personal identifying and financial information.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI urge Nevadans to take the following precautionary measures to protect themselves from known and emerging scams: independently verify the identity of any company, charity, or individual that contacts you regarding COVID-19; check the websites and email addresses offering information, products, or services related to COVID-19; be wary of unsolicited emails offering information, supplies, or treatment for COVID-19 or requesting your personal information for medical purposes.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI recommend making sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer is operating and up to date, ignoring unsolicited offers for a COVID-19 vaccine, cure, or treatment, and checking online reviews of any company offering COVID-19 products or supplies. Research any charities or crowdfunding sites soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas affected by COVID-19.
The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. By taking these precautionary measures, Nevadans can protect themselves from falling victim to these scams and stay safe during this challenging time.
Key Facts
- State: Nevada
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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