DOJ Takes First Action Against Coronavirus Fraud

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The Justice Department has taken its first enforcement action against COVID-19 fraud. 

According to DOJ, a federal court has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against a website, coronavirusmedicalkit.com, hawking a "World Health Organization vaccine kit." 

Related: NY's James Orders End to Bakker Show Coronavirus Treatment Marketing 

There is currently no vaccine, DOJ pointed out. The kits were offered for a "shipping charge" of $4.95.  

The TRO required the access to be immediately blocked, which it was at press time. 

Related: New York Targets Scam Coronavirus Claims

“The Department of Justice will not tolerate criminal exploitation of this national emergency for personal gain,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt in a statement.  

Attorney General William Barr has told the department to prioritize coronavirus fraud prevention. 

John Eggerton
John Eggerton

Contributing editor John Eggerton has been an editor and/or writer on media regulation, legislation and policy for over four decades, including covering the FCC, FTC, Congress, the major media trade associations, and the federal courts. In addition to Multichannel News and Broadcasting + Cable, his work has appeared in Radio World, TV Technology, TV Fax, This Week in Consumer Electronics, Variety and the Encyclopedia Britannica.