The FBI recently issued three separate press releases warning of various COVID-19 fraud schemes. One fraud involves advance fee and BEC (business email compromise) scams related to procurement of PPE and other supplies in high demand during the pandemic.
Another scam involves using the complex cryptocurrency ecosystem to steal your money and launder it. Cryptocurrency-related fraud schemes are aimed at people of all ages, including the elderly.
Read about Cryptocurrency Fraud
Equally important to be aware of are the FBI warnings about Health Care Fraud Schemes related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in the emerging health care fraud scams are multiple COVID-19 testing schemes and treatment schemes. The FBI warns that “Bad actors are selling fake COVID-19 test kits and unapproved treatments through telemarketing calls, social media platforms, and door-to-door visits. Many scammers are promising free care to patients in order to gain access to their personal and health insurance information, including their dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and financial data.”
If you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, you can:
- Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at disaster@leo.gov
- Report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov
- Contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov