In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on September 26, in Florida’s Big Bend Region, the public is being urged to remain vigilant against potential relief scams. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan highlighted the unfortunate rise in fraudulent activities aimed at exploiting the goodwill of people wanting to assist those impacted by the storm.
The Details: Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction across multiple states, including Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. In the aftermath, the U.S. Attorney’s Office warns of scammers using several methods to solicit donations under the guise of disaster relief. These scams are designed to take advantage of the outpouring of support by diverting funds intended for legitimate relief efforts to fraudulent causes.
“Natural disasters unfailingly prompt our communities to respond with an outpouring of compassion,” Buchanan stated, emphasizing that while generosity is encouraged, caution is essential. He urged individuals to verify the legitimacy of charities before donating, to prevent falling victim to scams.
Guidelines for Safe Giving:
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The U.S. Attorney’s Office provides several precautions for those wanting to contribute to Hurricane Helene relief efforts:
• Direct Donations: Send contributions directly to known and trusted organizations, rather than through third parties.
• Be Wary of Pressure Tactics: Reputable charities will not pressure you into immediate donations.
• Avoid Unsolicited Messages: Do not respond to unexpected emails or texts, and never click links in these messages, as they may contain malware or phishing attempts.
• Verify Charity Legitimacy: Use online resources to confirm the status of a charity, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the organization. GuideStar and Charity Navigator are two websites that will help you verify nonprofits.
• Avoid Copycat Names: Some fraudulent groups create names that closely resemble those of reputable charities.
• Use Safe Payment Methods: Avoid cash payments. Instead, use credit cards or checks made out to the charity directly, never to individuals.
• Caution with Attachments: Be wary of email attachments that claim to show disaster images, as these could contain viruses.
Resources for Reporting Fraud: The National Center for Disaster Fraud, which was founded after Hurricane Katrina, encourages the public to report suspected fraud related to disaster relief. Reports can be submitted online at www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm or by calling the NCDF’s 24-hour hotline at (866) 720-5721.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia also offers support and information for those with concerns about fraud. They can be reached at (404) 581-6016, or via email at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov. For more details, visit the office’s website at www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Why It Matters: While Hurricane Helene has spurred a wave of compassion, it has also drawn the attention of the worst among us who seek to take advantage of donors’ good intentions. By following recommended safety guidelines and reporting any suspicious activity, the public can help ensure that resources reach those who truly need assistance.
