Hurricane Helene Charity Scams, Atlanta GA, 2024

Related Federal Cases

Hernandez-Velazquez Gets 15+ Years for Brutal Sex Trafficking · Georgia
Western Union Scam · Delaware
Luxury Auto Ring Busted in Charlotte · Georgia
Jorge Narvaez, Drone Smuggling, Casper WY, 2023 · North Carolina
Abigail Lee Kemp, Larry Gilmore Sentenced in $4M Jewelry Heists · North Carolina

Table of Contents

Scammers Prey on Hurricane Helene Victims in Georgia

ATLANTA – In the wake of Hurricane Helene, scammers are targeting victims in Georgia and across the country with fake charity solicitations, warns U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan.

Natural disasters like Hurricane Helene prompt an outpouring of compassion and support from the community, but unfortunately, these incidents also attract scammers who exploit affected citizens when they are most vulnerable.

“By this public notice, we do not aim to deter you from offering assistance but caution you to do so with the awareness of how to detect and avoid common charity scams,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan.

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend Region on September 26, 2024, causing major devastation in that area and across states including Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and others.

As seen in previous national disasters, fraudsters target victims of such storms along with citizens across the country who want to assist individuals affected by these natural disasters.

“Criminals exploit these incidents for personal gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or via social media and by creating deceptive websites designed to solicit contributions,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan.

To avoid falling victim to these scams, the public should exercise diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations or individuals offering to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene.

Before donating to benefit victims of Hurricane Helene, individuals should follow these guidelines:

Make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.

Do not be pressured into making contributions as reputable charities do not use such tactics.

Do not respond to any unsolicited communications (e.g., e-mails and texts), and never click links contained within those messages because they may be targeting your personal information, to include bank and credit card account information, and other identifiers such as dates of birth and social security numbers.

More information can be found at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga or by contacting the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.