HYANNIS – As part of the federal response to the COVID-19 outbreak, United States Attorney Andrew Lelling is urging leadership at Massachusetts hospitals to report individuals and companies that may be engaged in wrongdoing related to the pandemic.
In a letter to leadership at Massachusetts hospitals, Lelling encouraged health care facilities to report to federal authorities’ individuals and companies that may have acquired vital medical supplies in excess of what they would reasonably use, or for the purpose of charging high prices.
This includes 15 categories of health and medical supplies designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services as scarce, thus triggering civil and criminal enforcement remedies that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will pursue.
In addition, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will investigate any other fraudulent conduct designed to benefit from the pandemic including false treatments, tests, and vaccinations for COVID-19.
“In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, my office is prioritizing the investigation and prosecution of wrongdoing related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including those engaged in hoarding and or price-gouging with regard to critical medical supplies,” said Lelling.
“These practices are not only morally repugnant in light of the pandemic but also, if left unchecked, will inhibit hospitals, physicians, other health care professionals, and government agencies from fully implementing measures designed to save lives and mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus.”
Lelling named Amanda Strachan, Chief of the Health Care Fraud Unit, as the COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator for the District of Massachusetts.
Massachusetts residents who believe they are victims of fraud or other criminal activity related to the pandemic should contact the United States Attorney’s Office at [email protected] or call 1-888-221-6023 and leave a message.
Members of the public can also contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center by visiting www.IC3.gov.
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