The FBI is warning private companies about fraudulent activities by employees seeking to exploit the coronavirus pandemic, reports CNN.
In a report issued Monday to various companies nationwide, the FBI's Office of Private Sector warned employees to be vigilant of fake doctor's notes and other medical documents from employees claiming they tested positive for coronavirus.
In one recent incident, a worker at an unidentified "critical manufacturing company" submitted a letter from what appeared to be a medical facility showing positive COVID-19 results.
"In response, the company shut down the affected manufacturing facility to disinfect the location, ceasing production and halting delivery of necessary materials to the plant," the FBI report stated. "The company notified all employees at the facility, including four workers who had close contact with the reportedly infected employee and were required to self-quarantine."
The abrupt halt in operations cost the business $175,000, according to the FBI. The medical document turned out to be fake.
"Criminals are actively manipulating the COVID-19 pandemic to their advantage," Calvin Shivers, assistant director of the FBI's Criminal Investigative Division, said Monday in a statement. "We ask all Americans to remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to these schemes."