IRS warns against COVID-19 fraud

Unfortunately during this time, criminals are taking advantage of a vulnerable population. Today the IRS wants to remind Americans to protect themselves against fraud and other financial scams related to COVID-19. The Criminal Investigation ("CI") division warns Americans about healthcare fraud schemes, which include offerings for fake at home test kits, cures, vaccines, pills, and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19. Additionally, fraudsters are selling large quantities of medical supplies from fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses. The criminal will then usually fail to deliver promised supplies after receiving funds. You should also be wary of unsolicited telephone calls and emails from individuals claiming to be Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). The IRS will communicate by mail, not phone or email.