SOUTHEAST N.C. — Following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina the Department of Justice (DOJ) established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF). The NCDF was established as billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region, which opened opportunities for criminals to exploit people during vulnerable times, according to a DOJ press release.
Now, the DOJ is urging residents to be vigilant and report any cases of suspected fraud following Hurricane Florence.
“The NCDF, a national coordinating agency within the Department’s Criminal Division, operates a call center at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and serves as a centralized clearinghouse for disaster fraud complaints and information relating to both natural and man-made disasters,” according to the press release.
For those wondering what types of activities should be reported, the release lists several examples including:
- FEMA fraud
- Identity theft
- Contractor fraud
- Charity fraud
- Impersonation of government officials.
“As FEMA and other federal, state, and local relief agencies work tirelessly to support those who have suffered losses as the result of this natural disaster, we can be certain that criminals will target those impacted and attempt to profit from the suffering of others. The Department of Justice is committed to detecting and stopping this type of fraud. Through the National Center for Disaster Fraud, and in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we are working to aggressively prosecute the offenders,” Robert Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina said.
“Criminals can exploit disasters, such as Hurricane Florence, for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions. Tips should be reported to the NCDF at 866-720-5721. The line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, e-mails can be sent to disaster@leo.gov, and information can be faxed to 225-334-4707,” the release concludes.