Financial Crime World

Fraud Detection and Prevention Efforts Intensified in Northern Mariana Islands Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

In an effort to combat the surge in fraud schemes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, United States Attorney Shawn N. Anderson for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands has issued a call to action, urging the public to report suspected fraud schemes by contacting the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline.

Call to Action

The public is encouraged to contact the NCDF hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or email disaster@leo.gov with any information regarding suspected fraud schemes. This move comes in coordination with the Department of Justice, which has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.

Examples of Fraud Schemes

Examples of these scams include:

  • Fake cures being sold online
  • Phishing emails purporting to be from reputable organizations like the World Health Organization or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Malicious websites and apps designed to steal sensitive information
  • Fraudulent charity appeals
  • Medical providers misusing patient information for financial gain

Combating Fraud

To combat this surge in fraud, U.S. Attorneys have been directed to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to:

  • Serve as legal counsel on matters related to the pandemic
  • Direct the prosecution of COVID-19-related crimes
  • Conduct outreach and awareness activities

In the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikel Schwab has been appointed to this role.

National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF)

The NCDF is a centralized system that receives and enters complaints from the public, which can then be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components, as well as state attorneys general and local authorities, to identify, investigate, and prosecute fraud schemes.

Resources

For more information on Department of Justice resources and guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.