Danville Police warn citizens about possible frauds related to COVID-19 economic impact payments
The Danville Police Department is encouraging consumers to use caution and approach offers related to COVID-19 and economic impact statements with a high degree of skepticism. Times of crisis tend to bring out the very best in most people, but unfortunately, also the worst in some others. There are fraudsters who will use this pandemic as an opportunity to exploit others.
According to the Department of Justice, some examples of COVID-19 frauds include:
- Treatment scams: scammers selling fake cures or advice
- Supply scams: fake shops or websites selling personal protective equipment
- Provider scams: fraudsters contacting people pretending to be doctors or from a hospital pretending to have treated a family member and demanding payment
- Charity scams: scammers soliciting donations for those affected by COVID-19
- Remember, if it sounds too good to be true - it probably is. It is important for you to know that no government entity will call or email you demanding payment or to ask for your banking or personal information. If anyone solicits you for money and demands payment through a prepaid debit card, it is most likely a fraud. Do not engage with scammers over the phone or email-just hang up.
For more resources, visit the United States Attorney’s Office of the Western District website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdva/covid-19-fraud.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of fraud should call police at 434-793-0000 or use our crime tips app CARE at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=818#.