Earthquake shakes out scammers

Natural disasters like the one in Japan often prompt people to donate money to the relief effort. But it\'s also a time scammers try to cash in.

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center is in full swing in the wake of the Japanese earthquake. IC3, as it is called, was created in 2000 to help consumers report incidents of cyber crime. FBI Supervisory Special Agent Teresa Ramsey gave Federal News Radio details on the development of the center. (The FBI and the National Center for Disaster Fraud have an existing tip line to receive information from the public about suspected fraud associated with the earthquake and tsunami that affected Japan. Tips should be reported to the National Center for Disaster Fraud, (866) 720-5721. The line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, e-mails can be sent to disaster@leo.gov, and information can be faxed to (225) 334-4707.)

Copyright © 2024 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.