Preventing Disaster Fraud


March 8, 2012

The FBI cautions the public about the risk of fraudulent activity that often rises after natural disasters like the tornadoes that recently tore across the Midwest and South.


Audio Transcript

Mollie Halpern: The FBI cautions the public about the risk of fraudulent activity that often rises after natural disasters like the tornadoes that recently tore across the Midwest and South.

Shawn Henry: Post a natural disaster, there’s a call for funds to help re-build homes, to help people get food…and there are people who look to intercept those funds.

Halpern: I’m Mollie Halpern of the Bureau, and this is FBI, This Week. To make sure your donations reach those in need, Executive Assistant Director Shawn Henry says…

Henry: You want to be careful about unsolicited spam that may contain malicious code or computer viruses. You want to ensure that the individuals that you may be speaking with are representing official organizations.

Halpern: The FBI is responsible for protecting the public against fraud.

Henry: We work very, very hard and aggressively pursue those who seek to prey upon innocent victims.

Halpern: To report fraudulent activity, dial 800-CALL-FBI, or contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

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