By Office of Inspector General

Beware of Scams and Fraud Schemes

The Office of Inspector General recognizes that we are facing unprecedented times and is alerting the public about potential fraud schemes related to economic stimulus programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration in response to the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19).  The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the largest financial assistance bill to date, includes provisions to help small businesses. Fraudsters have already begun targeting small business owners during these economically difficult times.  Be on the lookout for grant fraud, loan fraud, and phishing.

Scams and Fraud Schemes

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At Bank of the West, we try to promote an “Earth Day is every day” mentality. That’s one reason why we are launching the new 1% for the Planet account1—the first checking account designed for climate action. The account helps you track the carbon footprint of purchases2 made with your compostable3 debit card, and gives 1% back of net revenue to the environment, at no cost to you4. There are lots of great ways to take action, express your convictions, and press for change. Here are some of the most inspiring ones from this year’s Earth Day, all relevant, inspiring, and in many cases ongoing.

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Kroger is making some key changes at checkout as the U.S. experiences a coin shortage connected to the corona virus pandemic.

The grocer announced this week that they will not be returning coin change to customers who pay with cash during the shortage, and are instead offering other solutions.

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U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs announced the plan during a teleconferenced hearing.

Two of the country’s top universities won a major victory over the Trump administration on Tuesday after the government agreed to halt its plan to deport international college students who only use online courses to study this fall.

U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs announced the government's reversal during a teleconferenced hearing.

Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced the conclusion and success of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance program, which provided U.S. small businesses, non-profits and agricultural businesses a total of $20 billion in emergency funding. In order to assist the greatest number of small businesses, the EIDL Advance provided $1,000 per employee up to a maximum of $10,000. Recipients did not have to be approved for a loan to receive the Advance, and the Advance provided an interim but vital source of funds while applicants awaited a decision on their loan application.

Apply at sba.gov/disaster

The new order is part of a major rollback in the state's reopening efforts amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

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FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson announced Monday that the district is considering beginning the school year in a fully digital format.

The district is joining with Los Angeles Unified, San Diego Unified, and San Bernardino Unified that also announced they are considering the same method of learning for their districts.

"First and foremost, I have been in active discussion with all of our Trustees today to discuss their overarching interest in keeping our students safe, while also ensuring that all of our students are actively learning," said Nelson.

The central San Joaquin Valley now has more than 10,000 active cases of coronavirus and is adding more than 500 new cases each day, according to health officials in the six-county region.

Fresno County reported 346 new cases and three related deaths on Thursday. The county continues to lead the region in the number of total cases (7,627), active cases (5,854) and confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients in the hospital (206). That is more than double the number in any other county in the region.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- As Fresno Unified moves forward with its plans to reopen schools next month, district officials are asking parents to make a choice.

Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson urged parents on Thursday to make their family's choice, whether they want their children to learn online or come to class for the next school year.

The district is just 34 days away from the new school year and the return of in-class learning.

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SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring July 2020, as “California for All Small Business Month” today as the Governor’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery launches a new campaign encouraging Californians to help small businesses in their communities operate safely during the pandemic.

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