Baton Rouge Flood Fraud: Feds Target Scammers

BATON ROUGE, LA – While Louisiana families continue to rebuild after the devastating floods of August 2016, a different kind of wreckage is being cleaned up: fraud. The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) is aggressively pursuing those who exploited the disaster for personal gain, and the feds are sending a clear message – steal from victims, and you’ll face the consequences.

The NCDF, born from the chaos following Hurricane Katrina, isn’t just some bureaucratic afterthought. It’s a coalition of over 30 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, spearheaded by U.S. Attorney Walt Green, who serves as its Executive Director. Their mission: to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals and organizations attempting to defraud disaster relief programs. The NCDF operates a national hotline – 1-866-720-5721 – for the public to report suspicious activity. Don’t see something right? Report it.

The scope of the problem is staggering. The NCDF has already processed over 68,000 complaints related to more than 40 different disasters, leading to over 50,000 referrals for law enforcement action. Specifically regarding the Baton Rouge floods, the agency has received over 1200 complaints, signaling a significant wave of attempted fraud. These aren’t just minor offenses; these are deliberate attempts to siphon funds away from those who desperately need them.

“The NCDF and its partners are united in the common belief that those who fraudulently exploit tragedy and disaster for personal gain must be aggressively investigated and prosecuted,” stated U.S. Attorney and NCDF Executive Director Walt Green. “I am proud of the vast coalition of law enforcement agencies…to combat those fraudsters who invariably seek to take advantage of communities suffering from disasters.” The sentiment is echoed by Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, who pledged continued support in investigating consumer complaints and educating potential victims.

Federal agencies are joining forces to ensure accountability. Jeffrey Sallet, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI New Orleans Division, warned that alongside the rebuilding efforts comes the risk of fraudulent claims and contractor abuse. Michael Breslin, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Criminal Investigative Division, emphasized the detrimental impact of disaster fraud on the nation’s financial infrastructure and the delay in getting resources to those who need them most. DHS Inspector General John Roth affirmed the Office of Inspector General’s commitment to ensuring FEMA emergency assistance reaches legitimate survivors.

This isn’t just about recovering stolen money; it’s about restoring trust in a system designed to help those in need. The NCDF isn’t just investigating past crimes; they’re actively working to prevent future exploitation. If you suspect fraud related to the Baton Rouge floods, or any other disaster, pick up the phone. The Disaster Fraud Hotline – 1-866-720-5721 – is your direct line to justice. Don’t let the vultures profit from the pain of others.