In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which brought widespread destruction across Florida and neighboring states, U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe urges the public to remain vigilant against disaster-related scams.
As communities begin recovery efforts, Lapointe cautions that fraudsters may seize the opportunity to exploit those affected by the hurricane and individuals looking to assist with relief efforts.
“Throughout hurricane season and in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, I urge the public to be wary of fraudsters looking to exploit victims of hurricanes and other natural disasters through identity theft schemes, solicitations for fake charities, or other types of fraud,” said Lapointe, who represents the Southern District of Florida.
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on Sept. 26, leaving devastation in its immediate path and across parts of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and other states. Lapointe warns that during disasters of this scale, scammers often use tactics to prey on vulnerable storm victims and well-intentioned citizens who wish to donate to relief efforts.
Some of the typical schemes include fraudulent emails, deceptive social media posts, and websites created to solicit fake charitable donations. In many cases, these scams may appear legitimate but are designed to steal personal information or financial data.
To help prevent becoming a victim of disaster fraud, Lapointe emphasized several key tips for those considering donating or assisting in relief efforts:
- Donate directly to known organizations rather than third parties offering to donate on your behalf.
- Avoid high-pressure tactics, as reputable charities do not use such methods to solicit contributions.
- Do not respond to unsolicited emails, texts, or calls asking for donations, and avoid clicking on links within such messages. Fraudsters may use these methods to steal personal information.
- Verify the legitimacy of a charity before donating, especially if it has a name similar to a well-known organization.
- Donate with credit cards or checks instead of cash, and make sure checks are payable directly to the charity, not individuals.
- Beware of emails with attachments claiming to show photos of disaster areas, as these may contain harmful viruses or malware.
Victims of fraudulent activity related to Hurricane Helene, or those who suspect fraud, are encouraged to report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud by calling (866) 720-5721 or submitting a complaint online at the Department of Justice’s disaster complaint form.
Lapointe’s office is committed to safeguarding the public during crises, emphasizing that staying informed and cautious can prevent fraudsters from taking advantage of disaster situations.
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