Hurricane Hustlers: DOJ Warns of Disaster Fraud Surge

BATON ROUGE, LA – While Gulf Coast residents brace for another hurricane season, a different kind of storm is brewing: fraud. The Department of Justice is issuing a stark warning – criminals are already circling, ready to prey on the vulnerable in the wake of natural disasters. From identity theft to fake charities, the schemes are diverse and devastating, and the feds are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

“Committing fraud against natural disaster victims is an inexcusable crime,” declared Deputy Attorney General Jeff Rosen. “It is important for people to be on the lookout for fraudsters who seek to profit from natural disasters through identity theft schemes and solicitations for fake charities. The Department of Justice is committed to detecting this type of fraud, and we will aggressively prosecute the offenders.” This isn’t just about lost money; it’s about stealing from those who have *already* lost everything.

Established in the chaotic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) – a division of the DOJ’s Criminal Division – serves as the central hub for reporting and investigating disaster-related scams. Operating out of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, the NCDF isn’t just a call center; it’s a coordinating agency, funneling complaints to over 20 federal, state, and local agencies for investigation. The sheer volume of potential fraud following disasters requires this multi-agency approach.

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin for the Middle District of Louisiana, also the NCDF’s Executive Director, emphasized the importance of reporting. “The Department of Justice and the NCDF is committed to ensuring each report of disaster fraud reaches the appropriate investigative agency. Do not let disaster strike twice,” he stated. Several U.S. Attorney’s offices, particularly in areas recently hit by storms, have already formed task forces dedicated to combating this specific type of crime. They are preparing for the inevitable surge in fraudulent activity.

The threat isn’t hypothetical. Eighteen major disaster declarations were already issued in 2019 alone, covering storms, tornadoes, flooding, and even winter weather across the country. The NCDF has seen it all: impersonators posing as federal agents, fraudulent insurance claims, bogus charities siphoning off donations, and promises of quick riches tied to recovery efforts. Price gouging, contractor fraud, and even outright theft are rampant in the chaos. The list is long, and the victims are often left with nothing.

The DOJ is specifically warning the public to be wary of the following: impersonation of federal officials, identity theft, fraudulent insurance/government claims, fake charity solicitations, promises of high investment returns linked to disaster recovery, price gouging, contractor fraud, debris removal scams, and, of course, the ever-present threat of theft and looting. If something feels off, *report it*. The NCDF can be reached through its website or by calling its hotline. Don’t let the vultures profit from tragedy.