COVID Fraud Attorney | Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused tremendous economic and emotional stress and despair for most Americans. Human response to such events does not always come from a place of sound judgment or clear understanding of the circumstances and fine print disclosures. Often, an inadvertent attestation in a financial form can lead to a criminal investigation and possibly prosecution if deemed intentional.

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Sara Azari

has vast knowledge of the CARES Act relief programs (and their nuances) released by the federal government, and is an aggressive and tough attorney, prepared to represent individuals accused of wrongdoings related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 (corona virus) pandemic has resulted in an uptick in aggressive prosecutions and criminal investigations across the nation.

Some examples of conduct leading to federal investigations and prosecutions are:

Individuals and businesses selling "fake" cures for COVID-19 online
Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Websites and apps that appear to share virus-related news and information, but are merely a means to gain and lock access to devices until a "ransom" is paid
Submission of loan applications to financial institutions to obtain federal relief under the CARES Act, for example, SBA loans, disaster loans, unemployment benefits, refinance applications and other relief offered by lenders in response to the pandemic
Seeking "donations" for what, in fact, are illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations

Common offenses being prosecuted as a result of conduct related to COVID-19 are:

Federal mail fraud
Federal wire fraud
Federal bank fraud
Tax fraud
Terrorism (related to an intentional act of spread the virus)

The California Attorney General's Office and county District Attorney offices are likewise prosecuting COVID-19 related offenses including:

State Tax Fraud
Insurance Fraud
Assault & Battery
Domestic Violence