On March 28, 2020, international law enforcement agencies reported a surge in fraud and scams exploiting the coronavirus pandemic, with the UK’s National Fraud & Cybercrime Reporting Centre documenting a 400% increase in coronavirus-related frauds during March alone, primarily involving online shopping scams for masks and sanitizers, phishing emails, and fake offers for testing kits and vaccines.
Online shopping scams dominate the fraud landscape
The majority of reported cases involved consumers ordering protective equipment like masks, hand sanitizers, and other safety products that never arrived. Fraudsters set up fake e-commerce sites and social media ads, taking payments and disappearing. The UK’s National Fraud & Cybercrime Reporting Centre identified these as the most common coronavirus-related fraud, alongside phishing emails that tricked individuals into sharing financial and personal information.
Criminals also deployed lender loan fraud, mandate fraud, computer software fraud, and investment and pension fraud. They targeted people anxious about health and finances during the lockdowns. The UK’s Security Minister James Brokenshire condemned the activity. “To take advantage of vulnerable people at this difficult time is particularly reprehensible,” he said. “The government is committed to working with the NCA (National Crime Agency) and all law enforcement partners to tackle this and protect the public.”
US regulators crack down on spam calls and fake vaccine sites
In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission intensified anti-fraud campaigns by disseminating examples of spam calls circulating in recent weeks. One recorded message said: “If you want to receive a free testing kit delivered overnight to your home, press 1…Protect your loved ones from the coronavirus.” The calls promised free testing kits, vaccines, or financial relief, then demanded personal data or upfront payments.
A federal court shut down the website CornavirusMedicalKit.com, which offered visitors a coronavirus vaccine kit for a cheap shipping fee of only $4.95. The site collected credit card numbers and personal information but delivered nothing. US officials threatened legal actions against perpetrators. The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission issued warnings that fraudsters would face prosecution under existing consumer protection laws.
WHO warns of impersonation attacks
The World Health Organization reported an increase in attackers using “multiple impersonation approaches” to pose as WHO officials. Scammers sent emails and made phone calls claiming to be from the WHO, asking for donations or personal information. The agency said it had coordinated with local authorities to debunk false claims and created an official website to help the public evade frauds and scams.
“Always take time to think about a request for your personal information, and whether the request is appropriate,” WHO said in a statement. The organization emphasized that it never asks for passwords, bank details, or payments via unsolicited communications.
Authorities urge vigilance and reporting
Law enforcement agencies across multiple countries urged the public to remain skeptical of unsolicited offers and to verify any charity or health-related requests. They advised consumers to use official government and health organization websites for information, and to report suspicious activity to national fraud reporting centers. The UK’s National Crime Agency, the US Federal Trade Commission, and the WHO all set up dedicated portals for coronavirus scam reports.
The coordinated warnings came as the pandemic created a perfect storm for fraudsters: widespread fear, disrupted supply chains, and a rush for health products. Authorities stressed that the scams were not limited to any one country and that global cooperation was essential to shut down criminal networks.
The rapid increase in fraud cases during March 2020 demonstrated how quickly criminals adapted to the crisis. With millions of people staying home and relying on online shopping and digital communications, the opportunities for exploitation multiplied. Law enforcement agencies made clear they would pursue perpetrators, but they also emphasized that public awareness remained the first line of defense against these schemes.
