FBI officials urge caution as they expect rise in scams related to COVID-19 pandemic

FBI officials warn of coronavirus scams

Officials say they are expecting a rise in healthcare fraud.

PHOENIX - Scammers are reportedly taking advantage of this tough time for everyone, with officials from the FBI saying the fraudsters are using COVID-19 as a way to commit health care fraud and more.

Officials with the FBI in Arizona say they are getting hundreds of calls a day about new scams, saying these criminals are knocking on doors, making calls, and posting on social media.

The most common in arizona involve healthcare billing, price gouging, news of fake cures and counterfeit personal protective equipment (PPE).

"We anticipate seeing a significant rise in healthcare billing fraud as more patients seek treatment for COVID-19 and providing insurance agents to bad actors," said FBI Phoenix Supervisory Special Agent Jeremy Capello.

The FBI says the perpetrators only need two things to succeed in healthcare billing fraud: insurance information and a prescription. Officials say people should be aware of anyone soliciting the information, and add that people should not be getting unexpected calls about COVID-19.

"We would like people to be cautious of unsolicited contact from individuals or companies trying to convince them to get tested for COVID-19," said Special Agent Capello.

FBI officials say people should be aware of calls saying there is a cure, or calls saying there's a new test kit available. Victims of fraud can report it to fbi, or the disaster fraud hotline.

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Additional resources

LIVE: Interactive Coronavirus case data and map

FULL COVERAGE: fox10phoenix.com/coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - How it spreads, symptoms, prevention, treatment, FAQ

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

https://espanol.cdc.gov/enes/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html (In Spanish/En Español)

Arizona COVID-19 Response - Public resources, FAQ, webinars

https://www.azdhs.gov/coronavirus

https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/es/covid-19/index.php#novel-coronavirus-home (In Spanish/En Español)

In order to protect yourself from a possible infection, the CDC recommends:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.