Four steps of identity theft fueling massive Covid-related fraud

The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic’s economic fallout has threatened the livelihoods of millions of people. However, it has been a windfall for criminals who take advantage of those who need help the most.

Coming off historically low unemployment rates, agencies found themselves understaffed and ill-prepared for the claims tsunami caused by the pandemic. Additionally, controls have been loosened in order to quickly get money out the door or face censure for inefficiency in disbursement of allocated funds or worse, grand collusion to defraud beneficiaries of their emergency assistance.