BBB and FBI Warn of Relief Scams Following Gustav
In the aftermath of disasters, relief agencies appeal to citizens for monetary donations to aid those in devastated areas. But the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are also appealing to citizens to beware of scams from fraudulent groups that seek only to make a profit for themselves.
"Recent history, including Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ivan; the tsunamis in Asia; and the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, has shown that some criminals seek to profit from disaster by means of fraud," a Sept. 3 press release from the BBB of Southeast Texas states. "The BBB and the FBI ask that individuals beware of e-mails claiming to seek donations for Hurricane Gustav relief efforts."
The BBB makes the following suggestions to protect citizens: