Coronavirus Latest: New Jersey, US Law Enforcement Partnering Over COVID-19 Scams
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - New Jersey's U.S. attorney and the state attorney general have teamed up to crack down on fraud stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito and Attorney General Gurbir Grewal on Monday announced a joint state-federal task force to go after people who illegally hoard supplies, gouge prices and conduct other scams.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has said the state would aggressively pursue any violators.
The state has seen more than 16,000 positive coronavirus cases, with nearly 200 deaths.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.
Law enforcement officials caution residents to be wary of warning signs for scams, including "investment opportunities" tied to COVD-19, as well as offers to sell fake cures, vaccines, and other unproven advice.
Copyright 2020 The Associated Press.