WASHINGTON (CBS19 NEWS) -- The Internal Revenue Service says criminals are still trying to commit tax fraud and other financial criminal acts related to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a release, criminals are still trying to use the COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments as a cover for schemes to steal personal information and money from people.

Scams may also be related to the organized selling of fake at-home tests or offers to sell fake cures, vaccines, pills and advice on unproven treatments.

Additionally, there are other scams claiming to sell large quantities of medical supplies through fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses through which the scammer will fail to deliver goods after receiving funds.

"Criminals seize on every opportunity to exploit bad situations, and this pandemic is no exception," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "The IRS is fully focused on protecting Americans while delivering Economic Impact payments in record time. The pursuit of those who participate in COVID-19 related scams, intentionally abusing the programs intended to help millions of Americans during these uncertain times, will long remain a significant priority of both the IRS and the IRS-[Criminal Investigation]."

"As we continue to work with our local United States Attorney's Offices and law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, we will continue to keep the communities we serve aware of the scams being used to steal taxpayer's money and identities," said Kelly Jackson, the IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge of the Washington, D.C. Field Office. "During these most difficult times, IRS-CI is committed to keeping the public safe from these perpetrators and maintaining the integrity of our tax system."

The release says there are a variety of other COVID-19 related scams, including fake charities soliciting donations to help people or areas affected by the virus or investment opportunities to put money into companies supposedly working on a vaccine.

The IRS is also seeing a big increase in phishing schemes using emails, letters, texts or links that use keywords such as coronavirus, COVID-19 or stimulus. Most of these kinds of schemes play on the fear and unknown nature of the virus.

People should report potential scams to the National Center for Disaster Fraud by calling (866) 720-5721, and fraud or theft of Economic Impact Payments should be reported to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

Phishing attempts can be reported to the IRS by sending an email to [email protected].