NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

NJ Defending Against PPE Fraud Allegations Related to COVID-19

Defending Against Allegations of PPE Fraud in the State of New Jersey during the COVID-19 Pandemic

In these unprecedented times, healthcare facilities and essential workers require an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard themselves against contracting COVID-19. Unfortunately, there exists a severe shortage of top-quality PPE leading to some fraudulent activities surrounding PPE’s distribution and sales. The State Attorney General offices have taken note and are closely monitoring such fraudulent activities. However, it is vital to note that not all complaints relating to PPE fraud under applicable laws are valid.

Receiving a CID

If there are claims or even doubts of possible fraud related to the distribution, sale or pricing surrounding PPE, healthcare agencies or fraud units will send an official notice known as a Civil Investigative Demand (CID). A CID serves as a formal “open investigation” announcement by authorities regarding possible wrongful conduct by businesses or individuals. If a company receives a CID regarding possible fraudulent practices relating to PPE sales or distribution, it is crucial to engage competent legal counsel immediately.

Investigation Triggers

The spike in demand for PPE involves challenges such as inadequate manufacturing capacity and flawed supply chain processes. Other challenges include panic buying encouraged by fear-mongering orchestrated through media hype about health safety concerns. Nonetheless, watchdog organizations and relevant government agencies do scrutinize any actions that lead to stockpiling with the intent of creating an artificial scarcity that leads to price gouging for excessive profit-making goals.

False accusations & Legal Defenses

When high-demand items become scarce commodities, manufacturers must sometimes pay higher prices than usual when obtaining supplies from their distributors or suppliers up the ladder. As such expenses rise on their end-use due to this increased procurement cost resulting from short supply chains, prices go up. However, if false allegations arise claiming high prices resulting from intentional manipulation and mandatory practices threatening consumer safety; companies can counter these charges in court with the help of an experienced criminal lawyer.

False or misleading product advertising claims can lead to serious consequences such as severe financial penalties, loss of business licensing, or even incarceration. Therefore, businesses must take seriously any fraud investigation notices they receive. It is crucial to select a competent legal team, scrutinize operational processes comprehensively and then formulate a feasible plan of action to address allegations raised by authorities.

Choosing a Credible Legal Team

Choosing a good attorney can significantly affect the outcome of any PPE-related fraud investigation. Engage an experienced legal counsel with a proven track record in dealing with similar cases. The chosen lawyers should have gathered enough evidence before going before judges or juries to litigate these cases confidently. At Spodek Law Group, we understand that issues related to COVID-19, especially those involving PPE sales and distribution accusations, require urgent attention due to their impacts on the broader society; this forms the basis for our commitment in assisting clients involved in such cases efficiently.