Stephen J. Cox, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Texas/courtesy photo

Millions of Americans and small businesses are suffering the economic effects caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. In response, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This historic legislation, which includes over $2 trillion in emergency financial assistance, was designed to provide immediate help for small businesses, healthcare providers, and individuals.

The CARES Act includes the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which provides nearly $650 billion in loans to businesses, as well as Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) to provide relief to individual taxpayers and families. The CARES Act also includes other programs to help small- and medium-sized businesses, and assistance to hospitals and other healthcare providers on the front lines of the coronavirus response.

This federal response to the current crisis is vital to the economy, but like many good federal programs, there is risk of fraud. For example, the PPP requires borrowers to make certain certifications regarding their eligibility and the use of the funds, but some borrowers make misrepresentations in bad faith. When fraudsters unlawfully take money to which they are not entitled, they deplete the program and divert funds from those who need it most. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is committed to pursuing wrongdoing related to Covid-19, including these fraudulent schemes. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Texas (EDTX) shares this priority and will deploy all criminal and civil enforcement tools available to combat such misconduct.