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WASHINGTON — The National Center for Disaster Fraud and U.S. attorney offices in the District of Puerto Rico, Southern District of Florida, Middle District of Florida and Northern District of Florida formed task forces of local, state and federal agencies in their respective areas to combat Hurricane Irma-related illegal activity.
According to a press release, the National Center for Disaster Fraud and U.S. attorneys in those districts urge residents to report suspected fraudulent activity. Activity could include recovery and cleanup operations, fake charities claiming to provide relief for victims, and individuals submitting false claims for disaster relief.
After hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the National Center for Disaster Fraud has received more than 400 complaints.
“Unfortunately, criminals can exploit disasters, such as Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions,” says National Center for Disaster Fraud Acting Executive Director Corey Amundson in a statement. “Once the NCDF receives a complaint, it routes the complaints to the appropriate federal, state, or local law enforcement agency in the appropriate jurisdiction.”
The U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud to investigate, prosecute and deter fraud after Hurricane Katrina. Its mission now includes suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster.
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