CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

FBI warns of coronavirus scams in Utah

Apr 3, 2020, 6:29 PM | Updated: 8:02 pm

(Stock photo)...

(Stock photo)

(Stock photo)

SALT LAKE CITY – Fake COVID-19 cures and non-existent stockpiles of medical supplies. The FBI is warning about these Coronavirus scams in Utah as fraudsters are making the rounds, preying on fears of the virus.

Some of these scams aren’t very prominent in Utah, yet.  Supervisory Special Agent Drew Scown says they’re hoping to keep it that way.  He says scammers aren’t just going after potential coronavirus patients, but doctors, as well.

Scown says, “Nationally, we’re seeing there are individuals who have ‘obtained’ bulk amounts of medical supplies and are trying to sell those to medical providers, which, at this period of time, is not allowed.”

With the current strain on the supply chain, fraudsters are taking advantage of a doctor’s or hospital’s needs.  Some of them claim they can go through a third-party broker to deliver products other medical centers wouldn’t get.  However, investigators say there are several different red flags to look for.  Scown says any time someone asks you to pay in unusual ways, that’s a very big problem.

“If they’re being approached by vendors that they typically don’t work with that claim to have large amounts of medical supply items, that would also would be something that should cause them to be more suspicious,” he says.

Other things people need to look out for are last-minute price changes and excuses as to why shipments aren’t going to arrive on time.

He says, “If medical providers come across that, and it’s entirely possible that will begin to happen in the state of Utah, they should make sure they reach out.”

Even though those scams aren’t happening very often in Utah, yet, they have seen one making the rounds on social media in The Beehive State.

“We are seeing some of that in this state where people are claiming to have found a cure,” Scown says.

Scown is urging anyone who has seen these scams to call the FBI.  They also want to hear from Utahns who are seeing cases of price gouging, even though that’s not something they normally investigate.

RELATED LINKS

Zion National Park closed amid COVID-19

Tour of Utah Cycling Race cancelled for 2020

Dr. Fauci’s face will soon be on a bobblehead

 

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus 

 

COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading: 

  • Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.  
  • Don’t touch your face. 
  • Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet) 
  • If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.) 
  • Get a flu shot. 

Resources for more information: 

 

LOCAL: 

State of Utah:  https://coronavirus.utah.gov/ 

Utah State Board of Education 

Utah Hospital Association 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707 

National Links 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization 

Cases in the United States 

 

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Crime, Police + Courts

Exclusive video obtained by KSL NewsRadio shows Salt Lake hit-and-run in the Avenues neighborhood. ...

Eric Cabrera

WATCH: Exclusive video shows woman survives Salt Lake City hit and run

KSL NewsRadio has exclusively obtained footage of a Salt Lake City hit-and-run, where a woman was struck while out for a run in the Avenues.

8 hours ago

Defense attorney John Prior questions David Warwick during Chad Daybell's preliminary hearing in Fr...

Emma Keddington

Judge orders gag order for upcoming Chad Daybell case

Judge Steven Boyce has issued a gag order in the Chad Daybell case, after Daybell's attorney spoke with a media outlet.

8 hours ago

12 year old driver shown driving erratically on freeway...

Sam Herrera

WATCH: Police release dash cam footage of 12-year-old driver

The Utah Highway Patrol said the 12-year-old driver stole her mom's car. The girl was briefly arrested before being released to her parents.

11 hours ago

(Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio)...

Simone Seikaly

Possible carjacking in West Valley City leads to car fire, ramp closure

The UHP said a car was following another car eastbound on the 201 and moved onto the ramp toward NB I-15 when one car rolled and caught fire.

11 hours ago

(Loren Richardson via KSL.com)...

Simone Seikaly

Brighton resident charged with aggravated assault for confronting snowboarder

According to court documents, and based on witness accounts, Brighton resident Keith Robert Stebbings threatened a snowboarder with a shotgun.

12 hours ago

IRS texts are bogus. Picture shows a sign saying "warning, scam alert" on a keyboard...

Britt Johnson

Millions to be paid for Utah’s largest real estate scheme settlement

Over $10 million in refunds will go to victims of a Utah-based real estate scheme following the settlement of a lawsuit.

21 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

FBI warns of coronavirus scams in Utah