Hurricane Fraud Task Force

Baldwin County District Attorney, Judy A. Newcomb, established the Baldwin County Hurricane Fraud Task Force June 1, 2006. The Task Force has two primary components.

• Education of the public, law enforcement and other government agencies regarding criminal activity associated with hurricane disaster to prevent future crimes

• Enhanced response, investigation and prosecution of criminal matters related to hurricanes.

Types of Possible Hurricane Fraud

• Charity Scams-make donations by check or money order to the name of the charity –never respond to an e-mail message asking for donations

• Contractor Fraud-the contractor accepts payment, starts the project and does not return to complete it

• Debris Removal-roadside debris removal vehicles are not allowed to enter your personal property to remove debris

• Fake Disaster Officials-some scam artists claim to be government officials who could help you qualify for disaster relief payments for a processing fee

• Home Repair Scams-deal with licensed and insured contractors only -- FEMA does not certify any contractors

• Identity Theft-do not give personal information such as account numbers, Social Security number or other identification inforomation to strangers; whether on the phone, on-line or in person

• Insurance Fraud-to prevent fraudulent sales of damaged vehicles and watercraft -- check the vehicle identification number(VIN) or hull identification number(HIN) in the National Insurance Crime Base www.nicb.org

• Price Gouging-price gougers sell products or services for a price more that 25% over the average price prior to the storm

• Rental Listing Scams-someone promises to find you housing but asks you to pay in advance

Contact the Baldwin County Hurricane Response Team if you suspect fraud:

Robertsdale

251/970-4080

Bay Minette

251/937-0274

Fairhope

251/990-4613

Foley

251/943-5061

BaldwinDA@co.baldwin.al.us

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