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[PR] MPD Warns of COVID-19 Scams in Washington, D.C.

Monday, February 1, 2021

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) would like to warn the public about potentially fraudulent activity in the District of Columbia related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

During this public health emergency, scammers have taken an opportunity to defraud citizens in various ways. MPD has recently been notified of individuals in the District selling “extra” COVID-19 vaccinations. If you receive any messages or calls about the private sale of a vaccine, report this as fraudulent activity. Members of the public should only get a vaccine through scheduled appointments at hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and doctors’ offices. 

In effort to keep the community safe, MPD asks the public to avoid the following COVID-19 related scams:

  • Individuals offering to sell treatment for COVID-19, such as cures, vaccines, and insurance.

  • Online sales of high demand medical supplies such as surgical masks.

  • Telephone calls or emails demanding funds for COVID-19 treatment or other medical services.

  • Solicitation of donations for those affected by COVID-19.

  • Phishing telephone calls, text messages, or emails from national and global health authorities asking to provide personal and/or financial information.

  • Unofficial COVID-19 apps or downloads that can potentially compromise users’ devices and personal information with malware.

  • Investments claiming to prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19.

The Department takes matters such as this seriously and will hold such offenders accountable for their actions.

If you have been a victim or have knowledge of a suspected Coronavirus fraud or scams in Washington, D.C., please contact the Metropolitan Police Department Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit at 202-727-4159 or mpd.fraud-unit@dc.gov.

 For more information and resources about COVID-19, please visit coronavirus.dc.gov