With the signing of the $2 trillion COVID relief stimulus package last Friday by President Donald Trump, local authorities are warning against the scams that could come about regarding the stimulus checks.
Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Chris Francis says that locally, they have not had any calls regarding check scams. But as with any potential fraud, Francis warns residents should be leery of any telephone based financial inquiries or opportunities.
“There’s nothing wrong with disconnecting from the call and verifying the information before proceeding. I would also urge extra caution with any contact that is made with (what appears to be) a local phone number.”
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Public Affairs Officer Ryan Holmes with the US Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Indiana, is urging the public to remain vigilant for coronavirus fraud. A flyer that the district office put out on Monday includes several points including:
• Anyone selling fake testing kits, treatments, or cures for COVID-19
• Websites seeking donations for illegitimate or nonexistent COVID-19 charities
• Fraudulent phone calls from individuals posing as health insurers seeking personal information
• Phishing emails from entities posing as the CDC or WHO, which may contain malware
• Robocalls offering medical supplies with no intent to deliver
• Websites claiming to provide stimulus funds when consumers input their bank information
• Fraudulent medical billing for procedures related to COVID-19
• Threats to public officials advocating quarantines
• Hoarding or price-gouging of necessary supplies
• Threats to intentionally infect individuals with COVID-19
To report frauds to the US Attorney’s Office Northern District of Indiana, you can call 219-937-5656 or 866-720-5721, or e-mail disaster@leo.gov. You can also visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus for more information.
Sgt. Francis also encourages any local residents to contact the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office with any fraud related calls and information at 574-267-5667.
