Attorney General William Barr has instructed U.S. attorneys nationwide to prioritize prosecutions and investigations of scammers, fraudsters, and cybercriminals who are seeking to take advantage of the public panic over the coronavirus outbreak.
Barr issued a directive on March 16 urging federal prosecutors to “prioritize the detection, investigation, and prosecution of all criminal conduct related to the current pandemic.”
He cited reports of individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, online and also engaging in other forms of fraud such as sending out phishing emails posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He also said there were also reports of malware being installed onto mobile applications designed to track the spread of the virus.
Barr said the Justice Department’s (DOJ) “critical mission” must continue during the outbreak and that he will ensure that the department’s law enforcement functions will continue to operate effectively during this period.
“It is vital that we work together to safeguard our justice system and thus the safety and security of our nation,” he wrote.
Last week, the DOJ cautioned that individuals and companies who fix prices or rig bids on items such as sterile gloves, protective masks, and other personal protective equipment could face criminal prosecution. It also warned against allocating consumers of public health products among competitors.
The department’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force, which was formed as a national response to combat antitrust crimes, is also on high alert for collusive behavior in the sale of the health products across the country.
State attorneys general across the country are also paying close attention to individuals and businesses who are engaging in unfair business practices such as price gouging and fraudulent conduct during this crisis.