The Feds Prioritize Covid Fraud

Well, that didn’t take long.

Amid all the madness surrounding coronavirus, the U.S. Justice Department has ordered all 93 of its federal districts to do two things:

1. Prioritize the prosecution of Covid-related scams in general; and
2. Create special task forces that target fraud, waste, or abuse in the provision of goods or services.

In this climate as much as any, then, tread carefully.

The government will bring these cases, no doubt—in fact, it has already begun to—and the enforcement push will ensnare more than just the so-called criminals and con artists.

So, as your business responds to this crisis, try to do the right thing, and if you’re not sure, do your homework or get good advice beforehand. That applies no matter what you’re doing: selling tests, treatments, or supplies; billing insurers or the government for them; pitching investments related to them; or taking public funds through a relief program.

And if you’re just a consumer like we all are then keep your eyes and ears open and, no matter your age or station in life, stay in school.