Pranksters Behind LA Coronavirus Hoax Wanted By The FBI

LOS ANGELES, CA — FBI agents are on the hunt for the perpetrators behind a fake bulletin falsely warning of a "possible coronavirus outbreak" in the Carson area last month. On Monday, the FBI put out a call for help identifying the malicious pranksters.

The fake health alert sent out as a hoax on Jan. 30 included logos from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. It warned of an outbreak of the virus in at least five people, and included a list of businesses in Carson and Torrance where patrons may have been exposed. The letter came as news of the coronavirus triggered widespread alarm, affecting travel and contributing the cancelation of community events.

Health officials quickly investigated the report of an outbreak and the hoax document, determining it to be a fake. The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department worked to counter the misinformation circulating as a result of the hoax..

The FBI on Monday released a poster urging "anyone who has information about the person or group responsible for creating and/or posting this fraudulent document" to contact the federal agency of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

The FBI can be reached around the clock at 310-477-6565. Tips can also be submitted to the sheriff's department at www.lacrimestoppers.org.

City News Service contributed to this report.