DES MOINES, Iowa -- Scam artists are using the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak to try and defraud people in Iowa.
"We've already seen it in the Des Moines area, where church groups and other religious organizations have been targeted. Fraudsters have been trying to solicit donations by posing as church leaders" says US Attorney for the Southern District Marc Krickbaum.
He says they're peddling fake coronavirus cures, soliciting for non-existent charities, and offering to advance federal stimulus money.
Krickbaum says coronavirus scam artists are going after the same people at highest risk for catching the virus--the elderly.
"Talk to them about what's going on, because they are the ones who fraudsters are going to reach out to and try and get their bank information, or try and send them a link that will download malicious software onto their computers" he says.
Krickbaum says it's especially important to beware of anyone who calls out e-mails out of the blue making an offer are looking for a donation. He says they're almost certainly a scam artist.
He says the US Department of Justice is working with Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and county attorneys across the state in fighting coronavirus scams.
Krickbaum says anyone who thinks they've been the target of a scam should contact the Iowa Attorney General's Office.