As anxieties about the coronavirus rise, here’s how scammers are taking advantage

Scammers are taking advantage of the confusion and anxiety over the new coronavirus, soliciting payments for fake charities or imaginary medical procedures, sharing COVID-19 information via malicious websites or emails to gain personal information and selling bogus products and cures, according to Georgia officials.

“Criminals continue to exploit the COVID-19 outbreak – trying to steal, deceive and disrupt,” Attorney General Chris Carr said in a release. “We often see fraudsters use texts, and unfortunately, they are at it once again. We (want to) better protect Georgians during this difficult time.”

Along with local agencies, the United States Department of Justice has worked to combat the scam efforts targeted around high-risk populations for the coronavirus. The agency has been given a directive to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of these scam efforts.

According to the department’s Southern District of Georgia, some of the noticed methods of schemes include:

• Individuals and businesses selling “fake cures” for COVID-19

• Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Up-to-date information on the virus can be found at the WHO and CDC official websites

• Malicious websites that appear to share virus-related information to gain access to devices until payment is received

• Pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19, then asking for payment

• Soliciting donations to fake charities

Those within the state are asked to report any fraudulent calls or methods of contact to the Consumer Protection Division. The scams can be reported online, by phone for those within the metro Atlanta area at 404-651-8600 and toll-free at 1-800-869-1123.

Victims of fraud schemes can also contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by email at disaster@leo.gov or by phone call at the center’s hotline, 1-866-720-5721.

“Criminals are seeking to take advantage of the current health crisis and are targeting the most vulnerable amongst us,” U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine said in a statement. “Our office is open for business and committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners to detect, investigate, and prosecute criminal conduct related to COVID-19. Don’t be swayed by fraudsters, and report anything suspicious.”

Carr also warned Georgians about a statewide uptick in price gouging. The state’s Consumer Protection Division has received 194 complaints about gouging as of March 24, particularly on items that have become difficult to find at supermarkets and drugstores — toilet paper, hand sanitizer and water.

The Attorney General’s office is working with businesses like Amazon, eBay and Publix to eliminate price gouging.

“By establishing lines of communication with the business community specific to this crisis, our Consumer Protection Division is able to more effectively identify and combat price gouging and scams,” Carr said. “These businesses and organizations are doing their part to stop coronavirus scams.”