Federal Prosecutor Picked To Handle Coronavirus Fraud Schemes

CHICAGO, IL — A federal prosecutor has been appointed to lead the fight against fraudsters who take advantage of people amid the coronavirus outbreak, officials said. The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois has picked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Murray, who is chief of the office’s financial crime section, to serve as the COVID-19 fraud coordinator for the Northern District of Illinois.

He will work with federal, state and local law enforcement partners to coordinate and lead investigations and prosecute those who attempt to take advantage of people "during this time of crisis," according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois.

“My office will vigilantly guard the public from fraudsters who try to take advantage of a vulnerable time for our nation," Lausch said. “A national crisis is by no means a safe harbor for criminal activity.”

Lausch also urged residents to be "extra cautious about unscrupulous schemes, particularly online" amid reports across the country of people and businesses trying to sell fake cures and test kits for COVID-19, according to the news release.

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For example, phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been sent out. Officials are offering the following tips to avoid becoming a victim of a scam:

• Do not click on links from sources you don’t know. These could be attempts to download viruses onto your computer or cell phone.
• Ignore online offers for vaccinations. There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure COVID-19.
• Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding websites. Do not let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone asks for a donation in cash, gift card, or wire transfer, do not do it.

Those wishing to report fraud related to COVID-19 can do so on the Federal Bureau of Investigation website.