Georgia launches COVID-19 Fraud Task Force

ALBANY, Ga — With aid coming in the form of small business loans and the need for medical supplies at a crucial point, Georgia officials have banded together to form a COVID-19 fraud task force.

U.S. Attorney, Charlie Peeler says they’ve already had more than 600 complaints of fraud.

Peeler tells us over the phone, “The type of complaints that we’ve seen are pf course price fixing and hoarding of essential personal protective equipment. We’ve seen sales of fake vaccines and fake tests.”

In addition to cracking down on price gouging on supplies like gloves and hand sanitizer, peeler also warned about how small business owners applying for a loan could continue to be preyed upon by scammers.

“If we detect fraud that is related to any of the stimulus money, than we’re certainly going to put that at the top of the list of things to investigate and prosecute. That money needs to be going to help folks. It does not need to be going to line fraudsters pockets,” says Peeler.

As Georgia officials including the U.S attorneys, Attorney General, and the Governor’s Office continue to help field fraud complaints, it’s critical to remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

Peeler says, “Unfortunately, at this point, there is no silver bullet cure-all, and there’s no effective vaccine. So don’t fall victim to fraudsters who claim that there is.”

With the pandemic continuing in Georgia, it’s more important now than ever to be vigilant against fraud.