Greensboro Reporter

United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston has issued a reminder to remain vigilant against disaster-related fraud in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Hairston emphasized that fraudulent activities often compound the suffering caused by natural disasters.

“The impact of disasters affecting our citizens are not just from the events themselves, but also from fraudsters who take advantage of disaster victims and good-hearted people who want to help those affected,” said U.S. Attorney Hairston. “These criminals take advantage of victims before, during, and after a natural disaster strikes, targeting people when they are most vulnerable, and their methods to commit fraud are wide-ranging."

Hairston's office collaborates with the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), which handles complaints about fraudulent activities such as fake charities and contractors preying on hurricane victims. The NCDF is a joint effort between the U.S. Department of Justice and various law enforcement agencies aimed at detecting, preventing, investigating, and prosecuting disaster-related fraud.

Examples cited by Hairston include:

- Fake charities soliciting donations under the guise of well-known organizations.

- Individuals posing as government officials or insurance representatives requesting money or personal information.

- Scammers promoting non-existent businesses related to disaster recovery efforts.

- Price-gouging for essential goods and services post-disaster.

- Theft from properties abandoned due to evacuations.

To avoid falling victim to these scams, Hairston recommends several measures:

- Donate only to known charities after verifying them through reputable sources like Give.org or CharityNavigator.org.

- Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages.

- Be skeptical of charity solicitations on social media.

- Use credit cards or checks for donations rather than cash or wire transfers.

- Verify the legitimacy of government officials or insurance representatives by contacting them directly through official channels.

- Check contractor credentials with state contracting boards before hiring for repairs.

If you suspect fraud or have been victimized, contact the NCDF at (866) 720-5721 or visit www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm.

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