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Monthly Archives : March 2020

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Suspected Fraud Schemes Related to COVID-19

by FBI Buffalo Citizens Academy Alumni Associationon 26 March 2020in News

Citizens Academy Grads and Community Partners,
Please see the news release below from U. S. Attorney Kennedy along with a PDF link to more information from the FBI regarding some of the fraudulent activities occurring during COVID-19.  The attachment and the information below may be shared widely.

 

Download FBI Office of Private Sector Liaison Information Report (LIR)
Criminals Exploiting COVID-19 Outbreak for Financial Gain through Procurement and Consumer Fraud

 

U.S. ATTORNEY KENNEDY URGES THE PUBLIC TO REPORT SUSPECTED COVID-19 FRAUD
Appoints Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected]

In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.

“My message to those who seek to exploit the pandemic for their own personal gain by stealing others’ money, or identity, or both, is simple,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy.  “We have a treatment for you and that treatment includes prosecution and federal prison.  While others may get sick from the virus, most will recover. Sadly, I am not so sure these predators will ever recover from their affliction—as it seems to have rotted their hearts and souls.”

Some examples of these schemes include:

  • Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
  • Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
  • Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
  • Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.

In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. U.S. Attorney Kennedy appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney David Rudroff to serve as Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator for the Western District of New York.

The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.

To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus

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covidfbicaaa

FBICAAA COVID-19 Response & Resources

by FBI Buffalo Citizens Academy Alumni Associationon 24 March 2020in News

FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association

 COVID-19 Response & Resources

Dear FBI Buffalo CAAA Members,

After much consideration and monitoring of expert recommendations regarding the coronavirus outbreak, the FBI Buffalo CAAA Board of Directors has decided to suspend scheduled activities for the next 30 days. This includes member meetings and outreach programs. The health and wellbeing of our members, partners and community are of utmost importance to us and we want to take all measures to minimize risk and optimize containment of the outbreak.

We are committed to doing all we can to keep our members healthy and safe, and believe the best course of action is to stay informed and adhere to the guidance of our public health experts and government leaders. There are several excellent resources for tracking the spread of the virus as well as recommendations for prevention, and we urge you to stay up to date:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
  • World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
  • Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/

Additional Resources

  • For your convenience, the City of Buffalo is maintaining an up-to-date list of closings and cancellations in our area on their website: http://www.buffalony.gov/1298/6087/Coronavirus-Disease-Updates You can also sign up to receive emergency local alerts regarding COVID-19 via BuffAlert (details at the link above).
  • Our Rochester members should go to: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=21474843824 for local information and updates.
  • Scam Alert: Be cautious of anyone selling products that claim to prevent, treat, diagnose, or cure COVID-19. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/w5wujnh If you suspect a scam, report it at https://www.ic3.gov/
  • The FBI is warning citizens to be wary of malicious websites and apps pretending to track #COVID19 cases worldwide. Criminals are using malicious websites and apps to infect and lock devices until payment is received. Report scams and attempted scams at https://www.ic3.gov/

Follow the FBI website (fbi.gov) and Facebook page (@fbi) and share warnings they issue regarding scams and other risks related to coronavirus. Join our CAAA National Chapter Forum Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NationalCAAAChapterForum/ where you can post questions and share your COVID-19 response plans and activities.

Thank you for being such an important part of our FBI Buffalo CAAA community, and for all you to do to support our mission. We will continue to provide updates about future programming.

Please take care of yourself. Stay safe and in good health.

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  • Statement by NCSC Director William Evanina: Election Threat Update for the American Public
  • Suspected Fraud Schemes Related to COVID-19
  • FBICAAA COVID-19 Response & Resources

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    • Statement by NCSC Director William Evanina: Election Threat Update for the American Public

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    The FBI BUFFALO CITIZENS ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION is a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI.

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