Nassau DA Sets Up Coronavirus Scam Hotline

NASSAU COUNTY NY — As the coronavirus pandemic continues to slam Long Island, authorities have warned of an increase in scams related to the virus that try to get people to buy fake cures and tests.

To combat this rise in scams, Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that her office was creating a Coronavirus Scam Hotline. Residents who think they have been the victim of a scam can call (516) 571-3505, or email info@nassauda.org to make a report. All calls and emails will remain confidential to the extent allowed by law.

“With many people stuck at home and using the internet and social media more frequently, scammers are cashing in by trying to steal money, personal information or to sell bogus medications,” Singas said. “We urge anyone who believes they have been a victim of a scam to contact our hotline for assistance.”

Singas said many of the scammers are rebranding old scams to take advantage of the current climate by selling counterfeit merchandise including medicine, fake test kits and vaccines, masks, sanitizers and cleaning products. Cleaning supplies, protective equipment and medications should be purchased only from a reputable retailer and medications should be taken in accordance with directions from a medical professional.

Other scams include:

• Online order scams: Beware of anyone posing as an online merchant offering hard-to-get goods such as hand sanitizer, masks and toilet paper who take personal and financial information. These pop-up sites frequently steal financial information and either deliver no product or counterfeit and potentially dangerous goods.
• Fake health insurance and mortgage relief.
• Fake emails, texts, phone calls: Federal and state agencies are not sending out emails or texts or making phone calls to individuals regarding any cash payments. If you need to contact a federal agency, look up the phone number on the agency’s official web site. Do not respond to these communications by clicking on any links, responding to any questions, or providing any personal information. If you do so, a hacker may try to hijack your computer, steal data, or install malware. They can also freeze your computer and change your password and demand ransom to unlock it.
• Charity Scams: Many scammers are preying on the goodwill of people during the crisis by creating false charities. Check charitiesnys.com to ensure you are donating to a legitimate registered charity.