RIAG COVID-19 Resource Guide
Information, guidance, tips, and links to help you access what you need during the COVID-19 emergency.
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Office of the Attorney General Guidance
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We remain open and ready to serve to the public
“A central part of our mission is and remains public safety,” said Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. “We are taking important steps, in line with recommendations by the CDC and RIDOH, to protect our employees and the members of the public that we serve. We remain fully open and able to respond to the public during this time.”
Effective March 16, 2020, our office has implemented alternative work schedules for employees and specific guidance for many of our public services in the interest of public health and safety.
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Protect yourself against scams
Watch out for scammers seeking to take advantage of you during uncertain and challenging times. Use these helpful tips to avoid becoming a victim of a scam:
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Be wary of emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or World Health Organization (WHO). These organizations will not be contacting you directly. Visit www.cdc.gov or www.who.org for health-related information.
- There is currently no vaccine or treatment for COVID-19. Any offer promising a vaccination or treatment is a scam.
- Thoroughly check out any charity or organization seeking donations for COVID-19 related causes. Someone asking for donations - particularly in cash, prepaid credit cards, or gift cards - to help victims of COVID-19, or for "research" into finding a vaccine or cure, is likely a scammer.
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Look out for scam "investment opportunities." The U.S. Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued an investor alert. Before making any type of investment regarding stock in any company, you should contact a legitimate investment company.
- Beware of online or unsolicited calls or emails from individuals posing as government officials. Do not provide personal information (such as social security number, date of birth, etc.) to unsolicited callers.
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How to report price gouging
Do prices on essential items seem much higher than usual? Businesses are prohibited from increasing the price of any essential commodity to an "unconscionably high price" immediately before or during a declared state of emergency. This practice is known as price gouging and it is illegal in Rhode Island.
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Protecting your stimulus check from creditors
Debt collectors cannot garnish/seize your federal stimulus check. We're prepared to enforce the law & protect Rhode Islanders from unlawful collection practices. Our office also issued guidance to creditors, debt collectors and financial institutions reminding them that these payments are exempt from garnishment or seizure.
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AG Customer Service Center:
Background checks, concealed carry, lobby protocols
IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER OPERATIONS
In order to serve the public safely and efficiently, effective December 7, 2020 we have implemented the following policies at our customer service center, located at 4 Howard Ave. in Cranston, due to heightened COVID restrictions statewide:
In person background checks will be limited to:
- Healthcare providers to include nurses and long-term care / assisted living facilities workers
- Individuals who require background checks for housing
- First responders
- Childcare workers
- Adoption / Foster Care
- Personal care aides
- School employees
- Individuals, with exigent circumstances, who need a background check for employment purposes. We ask those individuals to contact BCI first in order to make an appointment.
All other persons requiring a state background check are asked to submit their request by mail or postpone their visit to our customer service center until normal operations can safely resume. For instruction on requesting a state background check by mail, please see here: http://www.riag.ri.gov/BCI/index.php#. Applications will be processed on a first-come-first-serve basis, and processing times may be delayed during this period.
License to carry permits
- Applications/renewals will continue to be accepted by mail only.
- Applications will be processed, however, processing time may be delayed.
As a reminder we are currently only accepting credit or debit cards for payment.
Thank you for cooperating with these guidelines.
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RIAG Diversion Cases
All communication between our diversion team/caseworkers and members of the public will occur by phone and email. Contact the diversion team with questions at (401) 274-4400.
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Victim Services
All communication between the victim services team/advocates and members of the public will be conducted by phone, email, or mail. Contact our victim services team with questions at (401) 274-4400 ex. 2277.
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A guide to Open Government modifications
Now, more than ever, Rhode Islanders need to have trust and confidence in their government. We encourage public bodies and agencies to continue to operate as openly and transparently as possible during this time.
On June 12, 2020 (extended on previously), Governor Raimondo issued an executive order that modified certain provisions of the Open Meetings Act (“OMA”) and Access to Public Records Act (“APRA”) as part of the State’s emergency response to COVID-19.
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No utility shut-offs
Concerned about utility shut-offs, or gas and electric bills being sent into collections? Contact our consumer protection team by calling (401) 274-4400 or emailing consumers@riag.ri.gov.
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Health insurance information
Rhode Island has mandated several health insurance provisions during this state of emergency:
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Evictions
Worried about being evicted?
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Rhode Island's Civil Rights Advocate
Do you think your civil rights have been violated? The Office of the Attorney General works to promote equal rights for all Rhode Islanders and responds to complaints related to civil rights violations through its Civil Rights Advocate. Discrimination or harassment based on race or ethnicity is illegal in Rhode Island. If you have witnessed or have been the target of discrimination, harassment or violence motivated by race or national origin, or if you have questions about the community resources available, we want to hear from you:
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Guidance on Payment Protections for Rhode Island Student Loan Borrowers
AG Neronha issued guidance to student loan borrowers on the new protections available to them during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 130,000 Rhode Islanders owe more than $4.5 billion in student loan debt. The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded these challenges for those who were already struggling to keep up with their loan payments.
The following measures last until December 30 and are retroactive to March 13 for federally held student loans:
- Payment postponement
- Interest waiver
- Loan forgiveness program or loan rehabilitation program qualified time
While the CARES Act does not provide relief for non-federal loans, many holders and servicers are offering additional relief options on a voluntary basis. Borrowers should contact their servicer to find out what options are available.
Concerns about student loan payments can be directed to the RIAG Consumer Protection team at 401-274-4400 or studentloans@riag.ri.gov.
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Information subject to change as necessary. |
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RI Attorney General | www.riag.ri.gov
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