SH – Watch for fraudsters following oil spill, including public servants
The National Center for Disaster Fraud, created in Katrina’s wake, has an operator on duty around the clock to take tips on fraudulent activity, according to the FBI. The toll-free number is (866) 720-5721.Katrina fraud cases swamped the criminal justice system at all levels for several years after billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured in to the Gulf region.
In spite of many unknowns as the oil spill spreads, authorities say one thing is clear: If a disaster comes, fraud will follow and the accused may include public servants.
Many convicted of Katrina fraud had no prior criminal background, such as former Gulfport Mayor Brent Warr, former Lumberton Police Chief Maurice Hammond and ex-FEMA employee Lashonda Booker, who worked in Biloxi.
Read more: http://www.sunherald.com/2010/05/05/2158348/fraud-hotline-open-for-spill-complaints.html#ixzz0n9gEzR9P
5/6/10
Magnolia Tribune
