The uncertainty, fear, and increasing regulation of day-to-day life across the country has empowered fraudsters toward exploiting those who are weak and vulnerable, according to a report in the The New York Times. Janis G. Mangum, the sheriff in Jackson County, Georgia, told the Times that “wannabe police officers” are “up to no good and it bothers me a lot.” Mangum said that “coronavirus is making it easier for them to do.”
In Jackson County, one man with a set of blue lights on his car dashboard and a pin-on imitation police badge pulled over a motorist and told him to get off the road. Identifying himself as a deputy sheriff, the man told the driver he was not an essential worker so should not be driving. In Lodi, California, a man wearing a “tactical-type best” stopped a man in a park and demanded an on-the-spot fine of $1,000, accusing the man of breaking curfew and threatening him with jail.
Lodi Police Department spokesperson Officer Hettie Stillman said the victim was hispanic, raising concerns that other minority members of the community might also be targeted.
“Anybody and anyone that would be vulnerable in these times can be taken advantage of, especially if their country of origin doesn’t have a strong relationship with law enforcement,” Stillman explained.
Colorado police have received multiple reports of people impersonating police officers. Officials have said it is too early to say whether the cases are linked, the Times reported.
In Erie, Colorado, a man with flashing lights in his car pulled over a female driver on her way to work, telling her she was in violation of a stay-at-home order. The unidentified man then followed the woman to her home before driving away.
In Aurora, Colorado, on March 25, a woman was pulled over by a young man wearing a blue uniform and driving a Ford Crown Victoria with red and blue lights. He asked why she was out despite the stay-at-home order, telling the woman she could leave after a brief conversation.
Crystal McCoy of the Aurora Police Department told the Associated Press that such incidents are “very frightening because we don’t really know what their intentions are.” The man took the documents to his truck and returned several minutes later. McCoy said it is “scary” that a stranger took someone’s identity documents for an unknown purpose. “We don’t know what they’re up to in this,” she added.
The next day, a woman was pulled over by a man wearing a blue police uniform and driving a pickup truck with red and blue lights in Fort Collins, Colorado. He demanded the woman’s driver’s license, proof of insurance and registration, telling her he was performing a “stay-home compliance check.”
On March 27, multiple fake police officers in Greeley, Colorado, pulled drivers over into an area that had been marked off with yellow traffic cones. They were wearing a dark uniform with a traffic vest, armed with a baton and pepper spray, the Associated Press noted. Some demanded driver’s licenses, insurance and registration and accused one of “violating the COVID-19 law.”
John Feyen, the assistant chief in Fort Collins, said that no real officers are conducting roadside stops related to coronavirus restrictions. “Unfortunately, criminals around the country are using COVID-19 concerns to their advantage in many ways,” he said.
“We will hold these people accountable for their illegal activities and encourage our community members to report any suspicious behaviors.”
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Medical advice
Avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms. Stay at home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and runny nose, to avoid potential spread of the disease to medical facilities and other people. If you develop serious symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) seek medical care early and contact local health authorities in advance. Note any recent contact with others and travel details to provide to authorities who can trace and prevent spread of the disease. Stay up to date on COVID-19 developments issued by health authorities and follow their guidance.
Mask and glove usage
Healthy individuals only need to wear a mask if taking care of a sick person. Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing. Masks are effective when used in combination with frequent hand cleaning. Do not touch the mask while wearing it. Clean hands if you touch the mask. Learn how to properly put on, remove and dispose of masks. Clean hands after disposing of the mask. Do not reuse single-use masks. Regularly washing bare hands is more effective against catching COVID-19 than wearing rubber gloves. The COVID-19 virus can still be picked up on rubber gloves and transmitted by touching your face.
