U.S. Attorney Steinberg cautions against disaster fraud in the wake of Hurricane Helene

SAVANNAH, GA:  Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg reminds residents to be wary of disaster-related fraud in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destructive path.

“Like moths to a flame, scam artists and profit-chasing individuals too often prey on vulnerable victims of natural disasters, such as those devastated by Hurricane Helene,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “Vigilance is the first defense against fraudsters who would compound the misery of a natural disaster by stealing from those in desperate need of assistance in recovery, and our office stands ready to assist in holding accountable individuals who would take advantage of disaster victims.”

President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for Georgia, ordering federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Of the 43 counties in the Southern District of Georgia, 30 are included in the disaster declaration.

Established in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) is a partnership of the U.S. Department of Justice and law enforcement and regulatory agencies that coordinates detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for victims of fraud.

Of more than 200,000 disaster fraud complaints submitted to the NCDF, here are some examples of common complaints:

• Fake charities soliciting donations either using the names of well-known charities or appearing to be related to the disaster.
• Scammers impersonating government officials, offering disaster relief in exchange for personal information or money.
• Individuals posing as insurance provider representatives to collect payments or personal information.
• Fraudsters promising expedient home repairs requiring upfront or partial payment.
• Price-gouging for goods and services needed by victims of disaster.

Take these measures to protect yourself from disaster fraud:

• Donate only to well-known charities after verifying them through trusted sources.
• Do not respond to unsolicited requests for donations via email, phone, or text, and do not click on links in unsolicited messages.
• Do not assume that online or social media charity solicitations are legitimate.
• Use credit cards or checks for donations. Don’t send cash, or use wire transfers or mobile payment apps.
• Remember that government agencies and legitimate organizations will never ask for money or personal information via phone or email.
• Beware of contractors who knock on your door or make unsolicited contact, and/or make promises that sound too good to be true.
• Cautiously rely on recommendations from family and friends.
• Do not be forced into making repair decisions by a high-pressure contractor.

Protect yourself and your neighbors. To report disaster-related fraud, contact the NCDF at (866) 720-5721 or online at www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm.