Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, participated in the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce  teleconference with Federal Trade Commission Chairman, Joseph Simons, to ensure consumers are not harmed during this pandemic.

“I appreciate today’s call with Chairman Simons,” said Burgess. “Our discussion centered around the efforts taken by the FTC to ensure consumers are not harmed during these unprecedented times, including taking action against companies falsely claiming a cure for COVID-19, those engaging in price gouging, entities making illegal robocalls, and those attempting to scam vulnerable individuals.

Burgess asked Chairman Simons to provide three scam trends to look out for during this pandemic:

1.      A cure for COVID-19: There is currently no cure for COVI-19 and any treatments will be administered only by your health professional.

2.      A quick way to make money or assist you in receiving government assistance: Multilevel pyramid schemes are not legitimate business ventures and will not allow you to get rich quick. Additionally, you must first apply to receive most federal assistance provided in response to COVID-19. If you have any questions about obtaining federal aid, including your Economic Impact Payment from the Treasury Department, please contact my office at 202-225-7772 for assistance.

3.      Asking for personal identification information: You should not give out any information to any entity that contacts you unsolicited. Federal government agencies will never ask for your password. Do not respond to any email, text, or phone call that you are not expecting.

This pandemic has not stopped scammers from trying to take advantage of hard-working Americans. It is important that everyone remains vigilant as we work to defeat this invisible enemy.