The rapid onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has created havoc in all aspects of our business and personal lives. The Delta Variant that arose in 2021 has thrown medical experts for another twist in this fight to manage the virus. To make matters worse, the virus itself isn’t the only element invading our lives. Fraudsters have found a whole new avenue to perpetrate schemes and scams.

From January 1, 2020 through April 15, 2020, the FTC received 18,235 reports related to COVID-19, and people reported losing $13.4M to fraud. As of August 30, 2021 that number had increased to $384M.

Seniors reported the largest losses related to coronavirus scams. The median loss for those in their 80’s was $900. Criminals have stolen money via a number of scams: those related to stimulus checks, unemployment benefits, Covid vaccines, fake virus cures and charities, for example. The top complaint categories relate to travel and vacations, online shopping and bogus text messages.

These are just a few of the most prominent schemes that have arisen. During this session, we delve into the intricacies of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it is impacting the world of fraud.

Learning Objectives
  • Explore and examine COVID scams per Federal Trade Commission as of Aug 30, 2021.
  • Discover and review fraud medical testing schemes.
  • Explore and examine FBI Fraud Warnings and Tips about COVID related frauds.
  • Explore and examine Department of Justice Warnings on COVID related frauds.
  • Discover and review the CARES Act and Payroll Protection Program and its connection to COVID frauds.
  • Explore and examine information from the Cyber Security and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) about COVID Frauds.
  • Identify actions taken by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on COVID fraud.
  • Identify actions taken by the U.S. Secret Service about COVID frauds.
Last updated/reviewed: March 11, 2024
45 Reviews (229 ratings)

Reviews

5
Member's Profile
As someone who has been the target of identity theft, I'm always vigilant of the types of electronic and telephone communications that seek to defraud individuals, as I have received a large volume of phishing scams, robocalls, and extortion emails. I highly recommend this course that focuses on the different types of fraud amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Scammers and other predatory entities are seeking to take advantage of people during this challenging time, and we as employees, employers, and consumers must be armed with knowledge to avoid getting swindled.

5
Anonymous Author
It was interesting to learn how much cybersecurity and security in general was sacrificed during the height of the COVID pandemic. For most, COVID was a major disaster but it seems that the height of COVID was also the height of cyber fraud and a time that allowed hackers more leeway than they've ever had. Lynn did a great job covering this topic.

5
Anonymous Author
Great course and very informative. A lot of current and relevant information that make you think about the types of fraud and the level of deceit. The information made me consider my personal information and how to better safeguard it.

5
Anonymous Author
One of the most recent courses from Lynn. Very informative and with good listing of potential fraud activities and how to mitigate them. Great timing for this course and one of the largest power point presentation.

5
Anonymous Author
This course was very informative. The course materials included relevant and helpful information that anyone can use to better safeguard their information. I will definitely recommend this course to anyone.

5
Anonymous Author
Outstanding course. I especially benefitted from the coverage on possible Program Protection Program fraud. Ms. Fountain expertly detailed the potential shortfalls with the implementation of this program.

5
Member's Profile
This was a very informative lesson. The statistical numbers are staggering, and this has been a great reminded to remain diligent regarding protection of personal information, electronic and otherwise.

4
Anonymous Author
The course provides a very valuable information and is very helpful given the current situation. The topics covered are very good and the speaker is very knowledgeable of the topic.

4
Member's Profile
The information presented was comprehensive. The list of government agencies involved in identifying and fighting against the different types of fraud was somewhat surprising.

5
Member's Profile
Great course, although a lot has changed (new variant, federal vaccine mandates) already since this course! Still very relevant in terms of fraud watchouts to be aware of!

4
Anonymous Author
Great information about how to be aware of ongoing covid scams, what to do in case you are a victim, and steps we can take to protect ourselves from covid related scams.

4
Anonymous Author
I thoroughly enjoyed this course. There were a number of interesting facts and details surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and related fraud cases.

4
Anonymous Author
Generally, it's a good course. However, because the course was recorded many months ago, much of the COVID statistics are quite out of date.

5
Anonymous Author
Great overview of the COVID crisis. It definitely gets you thinking about how much this pandemic may impact fraud with in our organizations.

4
Anonymous Author
Appreciate the fact the topic is relevant to the situation at hand. Presenter was engaging and material covered was intriguing and concise.

5
Anonymous Author
This course is super relevant and a good refresher since I took it during the pandemic. Thank you for taking the time to share these tips.

5
Anonymous Author
Interesting course, good slides, and presentation. Lynn is easy to listen to and personalize the data to make it more understandable.

4
Anonymous Author
Great update - a nice consolidation of information that has been publicized over the last several months in various forms.

5
Member's Profile
All very valid and good points raised, relevant exam questions were made as well and good reference back to the slides.

5
Anonymous Author
This was a very detailed and relevant topic to provide a better understanding of risks and how they are being addressed.

4
Anonymous Author
This is a good course for everyone to take that will help them keep their antennae up for potential fraud during covid.

5
Anonymous Author
wow, the course have a lot of information that is so important to can detect and prevent the newest kind of fraud.

5
Anonymous Author
It was interesting to learn what the different departments are working to do to assist in containing COVID Fraud.

5
Member's Profile
It is sad that we have to be on high alert for this type of activity but it is vital for us to stay informed.

5
Anonymous Author
Very relevant course, learned a lot and found the course full of helpful detail and new information

4
Anonymous Author
lots of good information, really drills home the points of being aware of all the scams out there

4
Anonymous Author
Good overall course that is very timely; all good things to keep in mind during the COVID-era

4
Anonymous Author
I would agree that the information provided was very good to know but just a lot to take in.

5
Anonymous Author
Good overview--lots of interesting statistics. A lot of research went into the course.

5
Anonymous Author
Great overview of the many areas of potential fraud. Covers a wide range of topics.

4
Anonymous Author
Good summary of issues facing people and industries related to COVID related fraud.

5
Anonymous Author
A lot of stats that I didn't find particularly relevant, but overall a good course.

5
Anonymous Author
This course offered a good refresher on the frauds revolving the current pandemic.

4
Anonymous Author
Critical update for those interested in covid consequences and combatting fraud

5
Member's Profile
Good information to inform employees and to keep an eye out for in the future.

4
Anonymous Author
Great course of fraud in the world of covid - 19 which added value to me

2
Anonymous Author
Interesting aspect of fraud in a covid world, and what to look out for

5
Anonymous Author
Good course ID ing new opportunities to commit fraud. Well presented.

5
Member's Profile
Wonderfully presented content and very useful information for anyone.

5
Anonymous Author
Interesting topic on Fraud during covid, interesting information.

4
Member's Profile
Lynn's courses always offer a great learning and education.

4
Anonymous Author
Interesting info on relevant, new activity. Great examples.

5
Member's Profile
Thank you for the great overview and upbeat presentation!

4
Member's Profile
New information which is useful in general for everyone.

5
Anonymous Author
Very well done webinar. A lot of very good information

Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Intermediate

No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.

Education Provider Information
Company: Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA 95113
Contact: For more information regarding this course, including complaint and cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to .
Instructor for this course
Course Syllabus
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
  Introduction to Fraud in a COVID World6:30
  FTC COVID Scam Alert and Reports7:19
  Medical Testing Schemes8:12
  FBI Warnings19:29
  FBI Tips4:52
  Cares Act and PPP7:35
  Other COVID Frauds9:53
  Other COVID Frauds Cont'd12:49
  Cyber Security and Infrastructure Agency (CISA)6:15
  US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)6:19
  Summary2:17
CONTINUOUS PLAY
  Fraud in a COVID World1:31:30
SUPPORTING MATERIAL
  Slides: Fraud in a COVID World PDF
  Fraud in a COVID World Glossary/ IndexPDF
REVIEW AND TEST
  REVIEW QUESTIONSquiz
 FINAL EXAMexam