Financial Crime World

CNMI Warns Residents of COVID-19 Scams: Stay Vigilant Against Fraud

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Office of the Attorney General has issued a consumer alert warning residents to be cautious of COVID-19 scams that have been spreading worldwide. According to Attorney General Edward Manibusan, scammers are taking advantage of consumers’ fear and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic to commit fraud.

Be Aware of Cyber Scams

  • Be wary of emails claiming to be from reputable organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or World Health Organization (WHO), offering information on the virus.
  • Do not open attachments or click on links, as these may contain malware that can compromise your electronic devices and lead to identity theft and financial exploitation.

Take Extra Precautions

  • When visiting websites, check the URL address and be cautious of spoofed or phony sites that may provide misinformation or ask for personal information.
  • Verify the authenticity of any online offers or claims by contacting the organization directly.

Watch Out for Telephone and Text Messaging Scams

  • Be aware of robocalls offering COVID-19 treatments, cures, and work-from-home schemes.
  • Hang up immediately if you answer a call from an unknown number, as these calls may lead to further scams.

Counterfeit Product Offers & High Demand Goods

  • Ignore offers for COVID-19 vaccinations, home test kits, and other products claiming to treat or cure the virus.
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not authorized any home test kits for COVID-19.

Phony Door-to-Door Tests and Virus-related Products

  • Do not answer the door or allow unknown individuals or business representatives into your home offering consumer products, medical kits, vaccines, cures, whole-home sanitization, or in-person COVID-19 testing.

Phony Charities & Donation Requests

  • Be cautious when giving to charitable organizations during this time.
  • Research the organization and use secure payment processes such as credit cards.

Stay Informed and Protect Yourself

  • Remember to fact-check information and never provide personal information or money to unknown individuals or businesses.
  • For up-to-date national information on COVID-19, please visit https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus.
  • For information on the CNMI’s efforts at combating COVID-19, visit Governor Ralph DLG Torres’ Facebook page or the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation website.

Stay safe and vigilant against fraud during these uncertain times!