Category: Federal Bureau of Investigation

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. Today: Building a digital defense against COVID-19 vaccine scams.

Oregon and Washington are seeing increasing numbers of vaccine doses compared to where we were a few months ago… but demand is still far outstripping supply. That sets up a situation where bad actors can use your anxiety to steal your identity and your money.

Here are some warning signs:

• Ads or offers for early access to a vaccine if you pay a deposit or fee.
• You are asked to pay out-of-pocket to get the vaccine or to put your name on a COVID-19 vaccine waiting list. In any case, you should not have to pay for your vaccine.
• You see claims of FDA approval for a vaccine that cannot be verified.
• You receive unsolicited ads from unknown companies for vaccines through social media platforms, email, telephone calls, or online. Any contact you get should be from a known medical provider, health department, or relevant government agency.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Consult your state or county’s health department website for up-to-date information about authorized vaccine distribution channels and only obtain a vaccine through such channels. In Oregon, https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19 is a trusted resource. In Washington, https://coronavirus.wa.gov/ is a trusted resource.
• Check the FDA’s website (www.FDA.gov) and the Centers for Disease Control’s website (www.CDC.gov) for the latest national information about the coronavirus and the vaccines.
• Don’t share your personal or health information with anyone other than known and trusted medical professionals.

If you believe you are a victim of an online scam, you should report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or call your FBI local office.

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

OKLAHOMA CITY—Thursday’s Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals’ ruling ultimately resulted in the expansion of federal jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute crimes committed by Indians or upon Indian victims in the territorial boundaries of the Cherokee and Chickasaw Nations. “The FBI is committed to ensuring justice for all victims” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Melissa Godbold. “It’s through our partnerships with federal, state, local, and tribal agencies that we’ll continue to expand our Safe Trails Task Forces and stand ready to serve the people of Oklahoma.”

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

The FBI Omaha Des Moines Resident Agency and the ATF are asking the community of Ankeny for any information regarding the pipe bomb found on March 2, 2021, near the Lakeside Center in Ankeny, Iowa. Tips can be submitted to omaha@fbi.gov or call 402-493-8688, when prompted press 1.

In addition, the FBI has been made aware of reports last year of sporadic, loud, explosive noises throughout the city. Some of the reports have been described as louder than a gunshot or a firework. If you heard such a noise, we ask that you report it to omaha@fbi.gov or call 402-493-8688, again when prompted, press 1. Please include where you heard the noise, the date, and time.

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

WASHINGTON, DC—FBI Washington Field Office (WFO) Assistant Director in Charge (ADIC) Steven M. D’Antuono is pleased to announce Mr. Julius Spain, Sr., as the recipient of the 2020 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for WFO.

Mr. Spain serves as President of the Arlington Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), as well as the organization’s Regional Vice President of Region 3 North, which includes multiple counties in Northern Virginia. In these roles, Mr. Spain has been heavily involved in civil rights matters in the Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia area. He routinely supports WFO’s outreach and civil rights programs through an open dialogue and information sharing between the two organizations.

Every year, the FBI recognizes nearly 60 individuals and organizations across the country who have supported law enforcement and helped improve their communities.

With sincere appreciation, WFO recognizes the compassion and outstanding service Mr. Spain provided to the National Capital Region during a difficult time. Throughout 2020, Mr. Spain maintained consistent communication with WFO during protests and civil unrest in Washington D.C., and relayed WFO’s commitment to keep all D.C. residents safe.

Despite the restrictions of COVID-19, Mr. Spain continuously engaged with his local branches and increased their overall membership by 50%. He led a 1,000-person rally across Arlington in June for racial justice. He participated as a speaker and panelist in several webinars hosted by the FBI and other partners, including on the topics of hate crimes and protecting the community.

“2020 changed the way many of us engage with our communities, but Mr. Spain’s efforts to continue to build the membership of local NAACP branches and engage with the FBI’s Washington Field Office demonstrated his commitment to help enhance the relationship between the FBI and the communities we serve,” said WFO ADIC Steven M. D’Antuono. “The FBI is grateful for his work and his continued partnership.”

For more information about the FBI’s Community Outreach Program, visit www.fbi.gov.

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Diego Violent Crimes Task Force and San Diego Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the individual believed to be responsible for a bank robbery in San Diego, California.

On March 17, 2021, at approximately 4:15 p.m., a man entered the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 10675 Scripps Poway Parkway, San Diego, California, wearing a green sweatshirt. The man was wearing a black “beanie type” hat on his head and the hood of the sweatshirt was also worn over his head. Upon reaching a teller, the robber presented a message to the teller demanding money from the bank. After receiving a sum of cash, the robber fled on foot.

The robber’s lower face was covered by a light blue paper (COVID) facial mask.

Description of Robber:

• Sex: Male
• Race: Black
• Age: Approximately mid-20s
• Build: Medium
• Height: Approximately 5’8” tall
• Clothing: Green hooded sweatshirt, black hat, dark pants; Blue face mask
• Weapon: None seen

If you have information regarding this robber, please contact:

• San Diego FBI: (858) 320-1800; www.fbi.gov/tips
• San Diego Crime Stoppers: (888) 580-8477; www.sdcrimestoppers.org