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Originally Posted by PeterG
TiltonBB--Any thoughts on what charities we should support to help folks in Houston or others in need?
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To answer your question: I am not sure. I haven't spent any time looking into it.
It is sad, but it seems that every time there is money available from disasters ranging from September 11th to Katrina the fraudsters and phonies come out of the woodwork. There are a lot of articles written about this. I have attached links to a couple of them.
In the aftermath of the Gulf oil spill there were so many fraudulent claims filed that BP hired Louis Freeh, the former FBI director, to investigate claims. He hired numerous retired FBI agents to work full time investigating claims. So far over 300 people have been convicted, and that was BP's money with the FBI investigating. The total claims thus far are in excess of $20 billion.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...no19uDBWcg425A
If the link doesn't work Google this: More than 100 jailed for fake BP oil spill claims
When it is private money without the oversight of law enforcement I am sure the amount of fraud is huge. It is a sad comment on society that so many people are looking for a free ride.
Another article related to Harvey:
Don't get duped: How to avoid post-Harvey charity scams - Aug. 30, 2017
http://money.cnn.com/2017/08/30/news...aud/index.html