Nebraska U.S. Attorney Joe Kelly is urging people to report suspected fraud schemes related to the Coronavirus.
“We will investigate and prosecute to the fullest extent any reported fraudulent activity related to Covid-19,” Kelly says. “We are all struggling with the impact this virus has had on our communities and we will not allow predators to cause further harm to our citizens."
Some examples of these schemes include:
·Individuals and businesses selling fake cures 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.
Anyone who wants to report a fraud scheme can call the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline. (1-866-720-5721) or send an email to 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 and law enforcement officials to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes.