U.S. Attorney Urges Citizens to be Vigilant in Reporting Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – Beth Drake, United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina, is urging South Carolina residents and businesses to be aware of and immediately report suspected fraud, waste or abuse relating to recovery, cleanup or relief operations for victims of Irma.

In anticipation of unprecedented fraud in connection with federal disaster relief following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, a Joint Command Center was established in Baton Rouge, La., to coordinate reports of fraud. The Command Center, now known as the National Center for Disaster Fraud, has since expanded its mission to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster. More than 20 federal agencies participate in the center, allowing it to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information. To date, the National Center for Disaster Fraud has received and screened more than 38,000 complaints and has referred more than 24,000 complaints of disaster fraud to law enforcement for investigation. From the Haiti earthquake to the floods in Rhode Island to tornadoes in Kansas - the U. S. Department of Justice and our partners in federal, state and local enforcement have protected benefits destined for our citizens who have been victimized by these disasters.

The public is reminded to be extremely cautious before providing personal identifying information or account data to anyone, especially those who may contact you.  Please also be sure to undertake necessary inquiries before giving contributions to anyone soliciting contributions on behalf of disaster victims.

Members of the public who suspect fraud, waste, abuse or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, or if you believe you have been victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, please contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721.  The telephone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707 or email it to disaster@leo.gov. Fraud may also be reported directly to the United States Attorney’s Office in Columbia by contacting Assistant US Attorney John Potterfield at (803) 929-3000 or john.potterfield@usdoj.gov.

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