U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme is urging the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus).
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
“Sadly, there are people trying to take advantage of others during this time of uncertainty when most Montanans are thinking of ways to help. Please be on guard for potential frauds or scams against you and your neighbors and report any suspicious activity,” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
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.
Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen has 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 Montana’s Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Kakuk.
Reports can be filed by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address disaster@leo.gov.
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.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit their website.