Tips to Prevent COVID-19 Fraud

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) is working with law enforcement partners to alert the public of criminal and civil schemes that are aimed at exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents are reminded to exercise caution and practice the following steps:

  • Before donating to a charitable entity, verify that the organization is legitimate through the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.
  • Never send cash by mail and avoid wire transfers to any entity purporting to be a charitable organization.
  • Be wary of anyone offering unverified vaccines, cures, or treatments for COVID-19.
  • Stimulus checks will be provided directly by the IRS without any action needed from you.
  • You do not need to verify information or pay any fees to receive stimulus money.
  • Anyone claiming to be a government representative asking for such information should be reported to the IRS (phishing@irs.gov) or the CCSAO (312-603-8600).
  • Do not click on links in text messages, emails, or social media accounts that were unsolicited or from sources you don’t know.
  • Be on the lookout for counterfeit goods and price gouging.
  • With the increased demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) and ordinary household items, citizens should report individuals attempting to profit off the global pandemic.
  • Avoid providing your social security number, birthday, or banking information to any entity, especially over the phone.

Visit CookCountyStatesAttorney.org for more information.