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DHR issues fraud alert

The Georgia Department of Human Resources’ Division of Aging Services is warning all Georgians to be on the look out for fraud surrounding relief efforts for hurricane victims, especially the elderly who are often the targets of scam artists.

“At times when so many people are at their best, others are at their worst. Unscrupulous people will use this tragedy to put money into their own pockets, money intended for those who are suffering. Please give, but give wisely,” said Jennifer Hogan, Elder Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Coordinator. “Scams come via the mail, telephone, and email.”

The scams include, but are not limited to:

· Collection jars that state they are for relief, but then don’t actually make it to the charity.

· Web sites that appear to look like a legitimate charity and accept credit card donations, but are really sites where identity thieves are collecting information.

· Telemarketers calling for donations for charities and ask for your bank account number, credit card numbers, and other personal information.

Here are some dos and don’ts of giving from the Federal Trade Commission:

· Do give to recognized charities.

· Do give directly to the charity. Solicitors for charities take a portion of the proceeds to cover their costs, which leaves less for victim assistance.

· Don’t give to new charities that have sprung up overnight. They maybe fraudulent.

· Don’t give to charities that have names that sound like other organizations. Phony charities use names that sound or look like those of established organizations.

· Do not provide personal or financial information - including your Social Security number or credit card and bank account numbers - to anyone who solicits from you.

· Don’t give or send cash. For security and tax record purposes, contribute by check or credit card. Write the official name of the charity on your check. You can contribute safely online through national charities like www.redcross.org/donate.

· Check out any charities before you donate. Contact the Secretary of State’s Office or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance at www.give.org.

“The best way to help is to donate money directly to established local or national relief organizations,” said Hogan.

To report suspicious actions by a solicitor, contact one of the following: Cathy Cox, Secretary of State, 404-656-4910, www.sos.state.ga.us; or the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs complaint intake center at 404-651-8600 or outside metro Atlanta 1-800-869-1123.

If you would like more information or a free presentation on fraud, contact Jennifer Hogan, Division of Aging Services, Elder Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection, 404-657-9589 or jehogan@dhr.state.ga.us.