Georgia’s governor, attorney general and federal prosecutors have formed a new Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fraud Task Force to fight criminal fraud arising from the pandemic.

Leading state and federal prosecutors said in a joint statement Tuesday that they have designated a fraud complaint coordinator from each office to oversee cases and keep in contact with each other. Scams already reported include fake offers for in-demand household supplies, bogus cures, false investment claims, attempts to steal personal information and payment demands for nonexistent treatments.

“Our office has received hundreds of complaints regarding scams, price gouging and other issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we won’t tolerate those who are taking advantage of consumers and interfering with our frontline workers’ response to the crisis,” Attorney General Chris Carr said in the news release. “This partnership between the State of Georgia and our U.S. Attorneys will enable us to work together to investigate and, as appropriate, prosecute those who violate our laws. We will leave no stone unturned as we protect all Georgians.”

“Thieves never stop searching for ways to take advantage of unsuspecting people,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak of the Northern District of Georgia. “Citizens can rest assured that we will bring every asset to bear against fraudsters and those who use this crisis as an opportunity to commit fraud.” He encouraged reporting potential scams to the task force.

“Opportunistic criminals are targeting the most vulnerable among us with COVID-19 scams, but our office and law enforcement and prosecutorial partners remain vigilant,” said, U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine of the Southern District of Georgia.

“Anyone who uses this pandemic to defraud Georgians will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler of the Middle District of Georgia.

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