DOJ warns of post-Hurricane Michael fraud

Department of Justice (DOJ) warns those affected by Hurricane Michael and those who wish to help those in need to be especially alert to the post-hurricane fraud which unfortunately occurs with great regularity following a calamity.

In a statement made on Friday, 19 October 2018, the DOJ reminds all of the existence of the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF).

E-mail: [email protected](link sends e-mail)
Call the Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866.720.5721
Fax the Disaster Fraud Hotline at 225.334.4707

The NCDF seeks to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for victims of such fraud. More than 20 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which allows them to forward on complaints to the appropriate agency for investigation.

“Following Hurricane Michael’s landfall and as recovery efforts continue, it is important for people to be on the lookout for fraudsters who seek to profit from natural disasters through identity theft schemes, impersonation of government officials and solicitations for fake charities,” said Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. “The Department of Justice is committed to detecting this type of fraud, and we will aggressively prosecute the offenders. Through our National Center for Disaster Fraud, and in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we are working to keep Americans from becoming victims of these schemes.”

Since Hurricane Michael’s landfall, many people are left without food, water, or shelter, and are experiencing devastating damage to life and property. Unfortunately, there are criminals ready to take advantage of victims before, during, and especially after a natural disaster. They are looking to strike those at their most vulnerable time.

While compassion, assistance, and solidarity are generally prevalent in the aftermath of natural disasters, unscrupulous individuals and organizations also use these tragic events to take advantage of those in need. Examples of illegal activity being reported to the NCDF and law enforcement include:

• Impersonation of federal law enforcement officials;
• Identity theft;
• Fraudulent submission of claims to insurance companies and the federal government;
• Fraudulent activity related to solicitations for donations and charitable giving;
• Fraudulent activity related to individuals and organizations promising high investment returns from profits from recovery and cleanup efforts;
• Price gouging;
• Contractor Fraud;
• Debris removal fraud;
• Theft, looting, and other violent crime