The U.S. Department of Justice has issued a number of warnings regarding scams, fraudulent activity and price gouging related to COVID-19.
A new website, https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus, provides updated information on the scams. Additionally, the website includes a list of frequently asked questions with information on the following:
- How to recognize a scam;
- What to do if you are a victim or potential victim; and
- What steps are being taken to address the fraudulent activity
If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, you can report it without leaving your home though a number of platforms. Go to:
- Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at disaster@leo.gov
- Report it to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov
- If it’s a cyber scam, submit your complaint through https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx
If you have information on hoarding or price gouging of critical supplies, you can report it without leaving your home to the National Center for Disaster Fraud by calling the National Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or by e-mailing disaster@leo.gov