This letter to the editor was originally published in the Virginian Pilot on April 11, 2020.

As our community and others across the nation face this historic COVID-19 crisis, the FBI remains committed to protecting Hampton Roads from national security threats and federal crimes. The FBI’s work does not stop even during a pandemic, in fact we must be especially vigilant.

We are already seeing a rise in fraud schemes related to the coronavirus—scammers peddling fake treatments and cures online, hackers sending e-mails containing malware that steals personal or financial information, and fraudsters selling counterfeit medical equipment. The risk of child exploitation has also increased with schools closed and children spending more time online or in a position that puts them at risk of abuse. The FBI has even received reports of classroom teleconferences being disrupted with pornographic or hate images and threatening language.

We are asking our community to stay vigilant as well. Tips about how to avoid COVID-19 related fraud and scams, warnings about dangers lurking online for children, and how to contact us can be found on our website at fbi.gov/coronavirus.

As we continue our mission, the FBI is taking a comprehensive approach to protect our workforce and limit the spread of the virus. We are in regular contact with the CDC and other federal agencies tracking COVID-19 and have issued internal guidance promoting workplace flexibility and precautions to maximize social distancing and ensure effective hygiene practices. Critical operations including arrests and searches will still take place, but agents will take steps to minimize potential exposure as they conduct their investigations.

With all the worry and uncertainty created by this crisis Hampton Roads can be confident in FBI’s commitment to protect the American people despite any circumstance, to do our part to limit the spread of the virus, and to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

Martin Culbreth
Special Agent in Charge
FBI Norfolk