Justice Department Launches Task Force to Combat Coronavirus Fraud

The Justice Department has launched a national task force to combat coronavirus related-crime. An executive order authorizes HHS and DOJ to take action against hoarding and price gouging of critical supplies needed in the coronavirus response. On March 22, the department filed its first related enforcement action, involving a website that was offering a fraudulent coronavirus vaccine.

Other federal agencies are working to combat coronavirus-related fraud as well. HHS has a new COVID-19 fraud alert online. The General Services Administration has also warned contractors of potential scams, encouraging agencies and contractors to report any suspected fraudulent activity to the National Customer Service Center.