The United States Attorney for Colorado is leading the charge against a growing threat of coronavirus-related fraud.
At the direction of U.S. Attorney General William Barr, Jason Dunn will prioritize the investigation and prosecution of any fraud related to the COVID-19 crisis, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a news release.
Dunn also appointed Executive U.S. Attorney J. Chris Larson to serve as the office’s coronavirus fraud coordinator, the release said.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office outlined several schemes which could take advantage of people during this uneasy period:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online
- 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 for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations
- Medical providers fraudulently billing or overcharging for tests and procedures
“The Colorado U.S. Attorney’s Office will be vigilant in investigating and prosecuting fraud related to the coronavirus,” Dunn said in a statement. “While this virus may be new to Colorado, fraud is not. My office and I will be steadfast in protecting the citizens of Colorado at a time when they may be particularly vulnerable to financial scams.”
Dunn offered multiple ways for people to report suspicious or fraudulent coronavirus activity: Calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline (1-866-720-5721) or by e-mailing the NCDF at [email protected].
