Federal Prosecutors Team Up with AARP to Provide Californians with Information on Scams Related to Coronavirus and COVID-19

          LOS ANGELES – Prosecutors from the four United States Attorney’s Offices in California, along with representatives from the FBI, will be participating in a telephonic town hall being coordinated by AARP to provide information to California residents to help them identify and avoid fraudulent schemes related to Coronavirus and COVID-19.

          The telephonic town hall will happen on Monday, April 20 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. PDT. During the event, a special agent from the FBI and a federal prosecutor will make presentations, and participants from across California will be allowed to ask questions to a panel of Assistant United States Attorneys from the four offices that serve California.

          AARP’s Fraud Watch Network is providing the infrastructure for the event. Approximately 100,000 AARP members will receive a phone call Monday morning inviting them to participate in the town hall. Those who wish to receive an invitation may sign up here.

          During the current health crisis, federal investigators and prosecutors continue to fulfill their critical mission of protecting public safety. Federal officials have prioritized the disruption, investigation and prosecution of crimes related to Coronavirus and COVID-19, including fraudulent schemes, unapproved treatments, and scams related to stimulus money. During the town hall, federal officials will discuss the types of schemes currently being seen, along with tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.

          “As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance security across our district, we are participating in this town hall to provide valuable information to help residents avoid scams that could cost them their hard-earned money,” said United States Attorney Nick Hanna. “Unfortunately, during a time when all Americans are coming together, there are some individuals who seek to exploit the current health emergency and prey on our seniors. Our public outreach efforts are designed to provide knowledge that will increase everyone’s level of safety.”

          Soon after the town hall event, a recording will be available at https://vekeo.com/aarpcalifornia/#.

          Nick Hanna is the United States Attorney for the Central District of California, which is comprised of seven counties – Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.