MSGID: 1:396/45.0 ee2dd6f2   
   CHRS: IBMPC 2   
   Hello All.   
      
   June 11, 2020   
   UNCLASSIFIED   
   Alert Number   
   I-061120-PSA   
   Questions regarding this PSA should be directed to   
   your local FBI Field Office.   
      
                  Implementation of Fraudulent COVID-19 Shipping and   
                         Insurance Fees by Criminal Actors   
      
   The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is issuing this announcement   
   to raise awareness of criminal actors exploiting the public and the   
   shipping industry by invoking fake COVID-19-related regulations and   
   fees. The FBI is aware of incidents involving individuals or companies   
   referencing fake newly enacted COVID-19 shipping laws, regulations,   
   or insurance requirements with the purpose of charging additional   
   fees before the delivery of a product.   
      
   Examples of this criminal activity include demanding fraudulent COVID-19   
   insurance fees after the purchase for the delivery of live pets from   
   online U.S. websites. An additional example includes criminal actors   
   fraudulently collecting refundable maritime insurance fees, citing fake   
   COVID-19 laws.   
      
   The following are indicators of  possible scams or fraudulent activity:   
       #The reference to new laws or regulations resulting from the COVID-19   
        pandemic and refusal to provide additional information;   
       #Requiring additional charges or fees before delivery of a product;   
       #Repeatedly providing excuses for delivery delays, including citing   
        COVID-19 laws, regulations, or requirements;   
       #Requesting money be paid to an unknown third party (e.g., warehouse,   
        insurance company, or shipping company);   
       #Stating that any required fees, payments, or deposits will be refunded   
        or reimbursed later; and   
       #Inability to make direct contact with shipper or manufacturer by phone   
        or email (disconnected lines, lack of response, etc.).   
      
   The following are best practices to avoid becoming a victim of a scam or   
   fraudulent activity:   
       #Never give out personal or financial information to a person or company   
        you do not know and trust;   
       #Always verify the information of manufacturers, shipping companies,   
        and service providers before making payments;   
       #Be wary of unsolicited messages claiming that a delivery is being held   
        until payment is received, especially if you or your business have not   
        placed any orders or expect to receive any deliveries; and   
       #Research and verify that any laws or shipping requirements related to   
        COVID-19 are legitimate before sending payment.   
      
      
   If you believe you are the victim of an Internet scam or cyber crime, or   
   to report suspicious activity, please visit the FBI's Internet   
   Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.   
      
   Best regards,   
   Marc   
      
   --- timEd/2 1.10.y2k+   
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