The US Department of Justice (DoJ) is charging 474 people with participating in COVID-19-related fraud, as well as other criminal activities.
Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting the global health crisis to increase their profits. So far, we’ve seen a variety of malicious activities using COVID-19 as a “theme” – from fake “healers” and suppliers of protective equipment promoting their products online, to phishing email campaigns and messages about fake vaccination appointments. Now, dubious sellers are even selling fake vaccines and vaccination certificates on the dark web.
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Law enforcement agencies around the world are trying to combat such activities. At the same time, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations are constantly publishing advice on scams and threats.
In an update released last week, the DoJ said that so far 474 people have been publicly charged “for criminal offenses based on schemes related to the COVID-19 pandemic.” In addition, the US agency noted that the alleged criminals are responsible for attempting to fraudulently obtain at least $569 million from both citizens and the US government itself.
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Law enforcement investigations have uncovered a variety of scams, including “operations” targeting the U.S. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the Economic Disaster Loss Loan (EIDL) and the Unemployment Insurance (UI) system – programs designed to help U.S. businesses and citizens during the pandemic. In total, 120 people have been charged with PPE fraud.
One of the DoJ’s latest COVID-19-related convictions focused on Dinesh Sah, a resident of Coppell, Texas. The 55-year-old pleaded guilty last week to $24.8 million in PPP loan fraud and money laundering.
Regarding the EIDL, which is designed to provide SMB loans, criminals have applied for assistance on behalf of non-existent, new, and shell companies.
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UI fraud is also very common, with at least 140 people reported to have committed such actions.
Brian Boynton, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the DoJ's Political Directorate, said: "We will not allow American citizens or the critical benefit programs designed to help them to be harmed by those seeking to profit from this national emergency. We are proud to work with law enforcement to track down criminals and safeguard taxpayer dollars.
Information source: zdnet.com
