Statement from US Attorney Josh J. Minkler

Criminal activity and COVID-19

Indianapolis – “We find ourselves in a place where most Americans have never been. Hoosiers are experiencing many different emotions and concerns including the care of family and friends, furthering their children’s education and protecting their livelihoods. Unfortunately, criminals are finding ways to use this unique time to take advantage of our elderly, sick and economically disadvantaged citizens by an array of fraudulent and illegal schemes.”

“In the midst of this crisis, The US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana will continue to serve the citizens of the district. Using our strong and longstanding relationships with state and local governments, and in conjunction with our partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement, we will investigate and prosecute those who try to take advantage of our most vulnerable citizens.”

“To promote the prosecution of those who would take advantage of this difficult time, today I have appointed Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Sawa to serve as the Coronavirus Coordinator for the Southern District of Indiana. In that capacity, AUSA Sawa will leverage local, state and federal law enforcement resources to protect our citizens against this rising threat of CONVID-19 fraud schemes.”

“If you receive suspicious emails, texts, or any forms of suspicious communication related to the COVID-19 crisis, or become aware of family and friends that have received suspicious communications, I ask that you don’t respond directly but instead report the activity to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 1-866-720-5721, or to the NCDF e-mail address disaster@leo.gov.”

For the most up-to-date information about #COVID19, visit the CDC’s website at http://cdc.gov/COVID19 .