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Protecting Consumers: COVID-19 Fraud Task Force launched

Posted at 9:50 PM, Apr 08, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-14 16:51:30-04

PHOENIX — Federal and state officials have teamed up to create a joint task force dedicated to fighting fraud related to the coronavirus.

The COVID-19 Fraud Task Force was launched Wednesday. It’s a partnership between a dozen partners across the state who are combining efforts to fight and investigate scammers trying to capitalize on the pandemic.

Michael Bailey, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, is leading the charge alongside the state's Attorney General Mark Brnovich. They say they are seeing new and improved efforts to con people out of money.

The Let Joe Know Team telling you about a handful including;

  • Scam callers offering Coronavirus tests for Medicare patients
  • Claims that an antiviral medication can protect you from COVID-19
  • Valley residents using resell sites to profit on items like hand sanitizer

"They need to know if you're a crook, con-artist, if you're a scammer that there is a group of dedicated people with a lot of firepower," said Attorney General Brnovich.

That firepower works out this way.

The Department of Justice is focused on criminals, like those trying to price gouge hospitals and other health care providers.

Other agencies fill in where needed. For example, if it's a case involving something being mailed the Postal Inspection Service has jurisdiction.

Meantime, The Attorney General's Office will be taking on more than just scams - like refunds for example.

The AG already taking action against ones requiring customers to visit gyms amid the Coronavirus to cancel their memberships.

Brnovich says that violates consumer protection laws.

No matter what the issue is, Brnovich says they want to know about it.

You can report it to one of these three places: