Matthew Schneider
In times of crisis, fraudsters come out.
Detroit U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider warns about pandemic-related swindles surfacing nationwide. The heads-up comes in a press release Tuesday to help state and local law enforcement identify cases for possible federal civil action or criminal prosecution.
Examples:
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Robocalls with offers to sell respiratory masks that never arrive.
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Fake COVID-related apps and websites that install malware or ransomware.
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Phishing emails asking for money or presenting malware.
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Social media scams fraudulently seeking donations or claiming to provide stimulus funds if the recipient enters his or her bank account number.
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Sales of fake testing kits, cures, “immunity” pills, and protective equipment.
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Fraudulent offers for free COVID-19 tests to get Medicare beneficiary information that is used to submit false medical claims for unrelated, unnecessary, or fictitious testing or services.
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Prescription schemes involving claims for unnecessary antiretroviral treatments or other drugs that are marketed as purported cures.
Additionally, Schneider warns law enforcers about:
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Robberies of patients leaving hospitals or doctors' offices.
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Threats of violence against mayors and other public officials.
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Threats to intentionally infect other people.
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Hate crimes against people with Asian heritage.
