BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The economy may be shut down, but business is booming in the fraud arena. Americans are finding themselves at war with fraudsters. The following are just a few of the current frauds related to the COVID-19 pandemic according to the ND Senior Medicare Patrol:

COVID-19 Prevention Pill and Cure:
This scam solicits investments in a company that pushes pills and cures, claiming they can cure patients within two to three days. A scammer posted a video on an Instagram account showing himself taking the pill and then walking into an area with COVID-infected individuals stating that he would not get the virus.

Coronavirus Medical Kit:
Operators of a fraud scheme, as published on their website, offered consumers access to World Health Organization (WHO) vaccine kits in exchange for a shipping charge of $4.95, which consumers paid by entering credit card information on the website. Understandably, Americans are desperate to find solutions to keep their families safe and healthy. Fraudsters are seeking to profit from fear and uncertainty by defrauding consumers and committing identity theft.

Virus Pesticide:
A company claimed that it could reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections in public spaces with the new generation of fungicide which reduces transmissions by 90%. Upon investigation, it was found that the fungicide was being imported from Japan and was illegal to distribute in the U.S.

Covid19/Genetic Testing:
A company marketing medically unnecessary genetic testing schemes saw the pandemic as an opportunity to expand on the existing scam, capitalizing on people’s fears and using the national emergency for financial gain. The tests were bundled with expensive respiratory pathogen panels with the company receiving kickbacks on a per-test basis. The company marketed the hard to obtain COVID-19 tests, conspiring to bilk citizens of a valuable resource that was in high demand by the medical community.

Reporting Medicare Fraud: If you think you have spotted fraud, report it right away. ND SMP will help seniors prevent, detect and report Medicare fraud. If you see anything suspicious, contact the ND SMP at ndsmp@minotstateu.edu or call 1-800-233-1737 or 701-858-3580.  For non-Medicare fraud issues, contact the ND Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-472-2600.