The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed its first enforcement action in Texas on March 21 against operators of a fraudulent website who were engaging in a wire fraud scheme that sought to profit from the confusion and widespread fear surrounding COVID-19. The DOJ issued a temporary restraining order to immediately halt the fraudulent efforts of the website while it is being investigated.
Currently, there are no legitimate COVID-19 vaccines, but the website fraudulently claimed it could provide consumers access to non-existent World Health Organization (WHO) vaccine kits in exchange for a shipping charge of $4.95. Consumers were asked to enter their credit card information on the website.
The US Attorney General has directed the DOJ to prioritize fraud schemes arising out of the coronavirus emergency.
The DOJ admonishes every person and entity to exercise caution and take measures to protect themselves from known and emerging scams related to COVID-19.
Here are some of measures from the DOJ news release found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-files-its-first-enforcement-action-against-covid-19-fraud.
- Verify the identity of any company, charity, or individual who contacts you.
- Be wary of unsolicited emails or websites offering information, supplies, or treatment for COVID-19 or requesting personal information for medical purposes.
- Ignore offers for a COVID-19 vaccine, cure, or treatment, knowing that any legitimate vaccine, cure, or treatment will not be announced through emails, online ads, or an unsolicited sales pitch.
Compliance Perspective
Attempting to secure vaccines, medications, protective equipment (masks, gowns, eye wear, gloves, respirators, etc.) from unverified sources may result in contributing to fraudulent schemes that are using the COVID-19 virus to steal money and personal information, in violation of state and federal regulations.
Discussion Points
- Review policies and procedures regarding procurement of supplies to ensure that no unverified sources are accessed which could contribute to a fraudulent scheme and loss of resources or confidential information.
- Train staff regarding the importance of verifying and reporting any company, charity, or individual that tries to contact them through unsolicited emails or websites offering supplies or other needed resources.
- Periodically audit to determine if staff members have a clear understanding of where to look for legitimate information regarding the COVID-19 virus.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TOPIC: INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL PLAN and HAND HYGIENE GUIDELINES FOR HEALTHCARE SETTINGS
