FBI Arrests Man Who Allegedly Swindled Investors With Fake COVID-19 Cure

BYErika Marie2.8K Views
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FBI, COVID-19
A California man was busted in an undercover sting as he allegedly attempted to con million-dollar investors by peddling a fake cure to COVID-19.

Global pandemic or not, there will be scammers plotting to make their way into your wallets. As people are told to stay home under quarantine, scammers are finding new ways to swindle the public. According to TMZ, one man has used the COVID-19 pandemic as his cash cow by offering a cure. To make himself seem believable, the man even name-dropped Magic Johnson.

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The publication states that Keith Lawrence Middlebrook, a man from Southern California, was arrested during an undercover sting operation. Federal agents put together a plan to appear as potential investigators in this miracle vaccine. During the operation, Middlebrook reportedly delivered pills to the undercover agent. The alleged fraudster may have used Magic Johnson's name to capitalize on the rumor that the basketball icon found a cure to treat his HIV.

The fake vaccine was said to be a "patent-pending cure" that could not only treat people who have already contracted the virus, but could prevent infection, as well. It isn't clear how much money Middlebrook received in total if any. He's reportedly received a wire fraud charge and is looking at upwards to 20 years in prison. Others have found themselves in trouble with the law over COVID-19 due to coughing on strangers or ignoring quarantine rules.

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About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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