CANTON -- St. Lawrence County Sheriff Brooks Bigwarfe wants St. Lawrence County residents to be aware of scams involving the “CARES ACT” (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act).

The sheriff says his office is working in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office in prioritizing efforts to “disrupt and punish any criminal activity within the Northern District of New York related to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.”

Nationally, law enforcement has already observed a broad array of reprehensible criminal activity seeking to exploit this crisis. U.S. Attorney’s Offices have received reports of, among other things: businesses peddling fake test kits and cures for the virus; scam artists soliciting donations for sham charities; cyber criminals making extortionate threats based on their purported ability to infect victims’ families with COVID-19; corrupt medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures; and criminals making threats of violence against public officials, Bigwarfe said.

The Department of Justice also expects that criminals will try to fraudulently obtain benefits and other funding associated with relief bills passed by Congress in response to the crisis.

Although the federal government has not issued any stimulus checks or direct deposits yet, residents should know that the IRS does not initiate taxpayer communications via text, phone or e-mail.

In addition, the IRS does not request detailed personal information via e-mail or ask taxpayers for their pin numbers or passwords. The fake calls, texts and e-mails may claim, "Our records indicate that you are qualified to receive the 2020 Stimulus Refund. The fastest and easiest way to receive your refund is by direct deposit to your checking/savings account. Please follow the link and fill out the form and submit before May 10th, 2020 to ensure that your refund will be processed as soon as possible." Online scammers have used phishing or spoof e-mails, which look like they are coming from a U.S. government e-mail account using the (.gov) address.

The sheriff’s office said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin advises Americans will start receiving the money within three weeks, but tax experts say it could take longer than that for the Internal Revenue Service to process the payments. Those who file their tax returns electronically and provide the IRS with their bank information will likely get their payments earlier via direct deposit.

Paper checks are expected to take longer to mail out. The IRS specifies on its website that no sign-up is required, and there is no need to call. The agency will post additional information, when it's available, at www.irs.gov/coronavirus. The stimulus law specifies that recipients will receive a notice by mail no later than 15 days after the payment was distributed, which will indicate the amount of money sent, the method by which it was delivered and a phone number to call at the IRS if the funds failed to arrive.

The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office says they look forward to partnering with the United States Attorney’s Office to meet these challenges in protecting the rights and safety of our community and swiftly bringing to justice anyone who seeks to illegally exploit the crisis.

To report any criminal activity related to COVID-19 or any other questions they can be directed to the St. Lawrence County’s Detective Division at (315) 379-2360.