U.S. Attorney Seeks Help from Healthcare Professionals in Reporting Hoarding and Price Gouging of Medical Supplies

Portland, Maine:  U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank sent a letter to the Maine Medical Association and Maine Hospital Association today, asking them to provide information to law enforcement about individuals and companies that may be acquiring or selling scarce medical supplies for the purpose of hoarding or price gouging.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is focused on investigating and prosecuting those who are trying to use the current pandemic to take advantage of Mainers,” said U.S. Attorney Frank. “Law enforcement needs the assistance of medical professionals in identifying those who may have acquired crucial medical supplies in excess of what they could reasonably use, or for the purpose of charging exorbitant prices. These supplies should be in the hands of the brave healthcare workers who are putting themselves in harm’s way to protect others.”

U.S. Attorney Frank sent the letter as part of a coordinated, nationwide effort to combat coronavirus-related fraud. Under the leadership of Attorney General William Barr, U.S. Attorneys appointed Coronavirus Fraud Coordinators to work with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners to protect the public from scammers who are attempting to prey upon fears. The Department is also committed to preventing hoarding and price gouging for critical supplies during this crisis. To address this, Attorney General Barr created the COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force.

If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at disaster@leo.gov. Members of the public in Maine are also encouraged to email USAME.COVID19@usdoj.gov to reach the office’s Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator, Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Perry.

Read U.S. Attorney Frank’s letter below.