|
 Paul Davis
On Crime & Security
Don't Be Victimized Twice:
Scam Artists Are Preying on Disaster Victims and Charity Donators
Crime and tragedies bring out the best in some people and the
worst in others.
As if the loss of property and physical injuries from the
floods, tornadoes and wildfires occurring across the country were not bad
enough, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the West Virginia
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) issued a warning
stating that skilled criminals are preying on the victims of the disasters.
Sadly, residents and business people already victimized by the natural disasters
are being victimized a second time by unscrupulous scam artists.
"In disaster situations, there are often those who are ready to
take advantage of such situations," said state coordinating officer Jimmy
Gianato. "Be especially alert for phone or door-to-door solicitors who hand out
flyers and promise to speed up the insurance or building permit process, and
those who ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full."
Some shady criminals are also misrepresenting themselves as FEMA
and other government and relief agencies. I'd like to pass on FEMA's guide to
protecting yourself from these crooks.
A FEMA or U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) shirt or
jacket is not absolute proof of someone's affiliation with an agency. FEMA
advises you to ask to see their laminated photo identification card. If they
don't have one, don't deal with them - and then call the police. FEMA and SBA
inspectors may come out, but they will have proper photo identification. Also,
FEMA and SBA inspectors never charge applicants for disaster assistance or for
inspections.
Some scammers have asked for upfront money to be put on a list or demanded fees
to fill out the disaster loan application. Under no circumstances are FEMA and
other agency representatives allowed to accept money. FEMA inspectors assess
damage but they do not hire or endorse specific contractors or determine
eligibility.
Some shady contractors claim to be "FEMA certified," but FEMA
does not certify contractors. FEMA does recommend that you use reliable,
licensed contractors. Check their references, and ask for proof of insurance.
Insist on a written contract and get guarantees in writing. Lastly, never pay in
cash. Pay by check.
Tom Miller, the Iowa Attorney General, noted that home and
business repair con-artists often move in after a disaster because the
conditions give them an edge.
"Hundreds of people are eager to get clean-up or repairs done,
and there may be a shortage of local contractors to do all of the work," Miller
said. "There may be money around because of disaster or insurance payments, and
people may be in a rush to get back to normal."
Even if you don't live or have a business in the devastated
areas, scam artists are still out to fleece you by appealing to your good
natural and generosity.
Via the Internet, e-mail and phone calls, scam artists are
soliciting your money to help the poor victims of the country's floods,
tornadoes and wildfires. As in the past with 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the
Minnesota bridge collapse, the Virginia Tech shootings, and the earthquake in
China, these scammers contact potential victims and ask for donations to phony
charitable organizations.
The FBI advises the following:
-
Do not respond to unsolicited (spam) e-mail.
-
Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as
officials soliciting via e-mail for donations.
-
Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited
e-mail.
-
Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in
attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from
known senders.
-
To ensure contributions are received and used for intended
purposes, make contributions directly to recognized organizations rather
than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
-
Validate the legitimacy of the organization by directly
accessing the recognized charity or aid organization's website rather than
following an alleged link to the site.
-
Attempt to verify the legitimacy of the non-profit status of
the organization by using various Internet-based resources, which also may
assist in confirming the actual existence of the organization.
-
Do not provide personal or financial information to anyone
who solicits contributions: providing such information may compromise your
identify and expose you to identity theft.
"Scammers and criminals come forward after many of these tragic
events and you should be wary of unsolicited requests for money," said FBI
Special Agent Richard Kolko in Washington, D.C. "People should feel free to make
donations, just make sure you know who you are dealing with and where the
donations are going.
"This way you can make sure your money really makes a difference
and helps out a needy person, not a greedy criminal," Kolko added.
If you are a victim of the recent disasters, don't be victimized
twice by con men. And if you wish to help the victims by making a monetary
contribution, be sure that the charity organization is legitimate.
If you suspect a crime, you can call FEMA's Inspector General's
office at 800-323-8603 or your local FBI office.
Paul Davis is a writer who covers crime & security for newspapers, magazines and the Internet. He can be reached at
daviswrite@aol.com
|
