In the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, unscrupulous Netizens began scooping up website domain names that include the words Katrina or Rita. Some of these websites are fraudulently soliciting donations under the guise of helping victims of the hurricanes. Some of the fraudulent activities have included eBay auctions of hurricane ‘memorabilia’ which pledge to donate a percentage of profits to charities but do not, websites that masquerade as charitable organizations seeking donations for hurricane victims, and phishing emails that attempt to illicit sympathy—and solicit cash– from unsuspecting recipients. These activities have prompted U.S. Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales to form the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force.
“We cannot allow the kindness of Americans to be exploited in this time of disaster and crisis,” said Attorney General Gonzales in a statement released by the Attorney General’s office. “This Task Force will help ensure that those offering a helping hand do not themselves become the victims of fraud, and that the money and support they so graciously and generously offer goes to the intended recipients.”
The Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force advises that, “Members of the public should act cautiously before sending money or giving their credit-card information or personal data, such as passwords or Social Security numbers, over the telephone or the Internet to people soliciting them for donations for disaster relief.” The Task Force also notes that legitimate charitable causes do not need to obtain passwords or Social Security numbers in order to accept donations.
Those who suspect they have been a victim of fraud can file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center by visiting http://www.ic3.gov.
Chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division, the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force includes members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal Inspector’s Office, and the Executive Office of the United States Attorneys.
