After any natural disaster, scam artists come out of the woodwork to exploit people at a vulnerable time - stealing their money and their identity and often preventing them from getting the real help they need.
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), a national coordinating agency that improves detection, prevention, investigation and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, to serve as an advocate for victims of fraud, and to dissuade potential fraudsters. The NCDF serves as a centralized clearinghouse for disaster fraud complaints and provides a nationwide call center that takes calls from members of the public and encourages them to report all types of disaster fraud.
“The aftermath of any disaster is a difficult enough time for families without being faced with the stress of dealing with rip-off artists looking for ways to steal their money," said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine. “Residents should report any potential fraud not only so we can put a stop to the fraudsters, but also so we can protect other citizens from them."
Members of the public are reminded to be extremely cautious before providing personal identifying or financial information to anyone, especially those who may contact you after a natural disaster. They are also reminded to report suspected waste, fraud, abuse, or allegations of criminal conduct. If members of the public believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, they are strongly encouraged to contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at 866-720-5721.
The telephone line is staffed by live operators 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To learn more about the NCDF please visit the website at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement here.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
