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.
“My message to those who seek to exploit the pandemic for
their own personal gain by stealing others’ money, or identity, or both, is
simple,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy.
“We have a treatment for you and that treatment includes prosecution and
federal prison. While others may get
sick from the virus, most will recover. Sadly, I am not so sure these predators
will ever recover from their affliction—as it seems to have rotted their hearts
and souls.”
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.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, 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.
U.S. Attorney Kennedy appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney David Rudroff to serve
as Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator for the Western District of New York.
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 additional
federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local
authorities. To find more about
Department of Justice resources and information, please visit
www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
