Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina and Rita Information
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Photo courtesy of FEMA
- FBI on the Ground Following Katrina
- Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force
- Katrina Stories
- Charitable Phishing/Spoofing Alerts
- Nigerian 419 Scheme
- Insurance Fraud
- Public Corruption and Government Fraud
- Missing and Found Children
- FBI Background Checks
- Information for FBI Employees
- More Katrina Information
- 04/27/11: FBI Arrests Husband and Wife on Katrina-Related Fraud Charges.
- 03/14/11: Katrina Fraud Suspect Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison
- 08/12/10: Slidell Woman Sentenced for Defrauding American Red Cross
- 08/11/10: Baton Rouge Woman Sentenced for Defrauding American Red Cross
- 08/11/10: Bogalusa Woman Sentenced for Defrauding American Red Cross
- 08/11/10: Hammond Woman Sentenced for Defrauding American Red Cross
- 07/29/10: Woman Sentenced for Defrauding the American Red Cross in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
- 07/29/10: Saint Rose Resident Sentenced for Defrauding the LRH Program
- 07/16/10: Ponchatoula Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding American Red Cross
- 07/01/10: Slidell Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding American Red Cross
- 06/28/10: FEMA Fraudster Pleads Guilty After Claiming He was “Victim” in Five States
- 06/23/10: NOPD Captain and Security Company Owner Charged with Wire Fraud Involving Kickback Scheme for FEMA Funds
- 06/18/10: New Orleans Husband and Wife Charged with Stealing Over $200,000 in Katrina-Related Fraud
- 06/07/10: Lansing Woman Sentenced for FEMA and Tax Fraud
- 06/03/10: Mississippi Man Sentenced for Defrauding Louisiana Road Home Program
- 05/28/10: Dallas Resident Pleads Guilty to Katrina-Related Fraud
- 05/12/10: La Place Woman Sentenced for Defrauding American Red Cross
- 05/12/10: Hammond Woman Sentenced for Defrauding American Red Cross
- 05/12/10: Hammond Man Charged for Defrauding American Red Cross
- 05/05/10: Hammond Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding American Red Cross
- 04/28/10: Bogalusa Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding American Red Cross
- 04/27/10: Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Katrina Fraud
- 04/14/10: Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding the American Red Cross in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
- 03/31/10: Louisiana Man Sentenced in Connection with Defrauding American Red Cross in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
- 03/26/10: Gautier Woman Sentenced for Katrina Fraud
- 03/26/10: Sentencing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Disaster Relief Fraud Charge
- 03/19/10: Federal Grand Jury Charges Hammond Woman with Defrauding American Red Cross
- 02/26/10: Louisville Man Sentenced for Katrina Fraud
- 02/25/10: Baton Rouge Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding American Red Cross
- 02/24/10: St. Rose Resident Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Louisiana Road Home Program
- 02/24/10: Hammond Woman Charged with Defrauding American Red Cross
- 02/19/10: Woman Charged with Defrauding the American Red Cross in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
- 02/11/10: Hammond Man Sentenced for Stealing Red Cross Funds
- 01/20/10: LaPlace Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding American Red Cross
- 01/20/10: Slidell Woman Sentenced for Defrauding American Red Cross
- 01/20/10: Gibson Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding American Red Cross
- 01/14/10: Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Louisiana Road Home Program
- 01/14/10: Hammond Woman Sentenced for Defrauding American Red Cross
- 01/13/10: La Place Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding American Red Cross
- 01/13/10: Hammond Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding American Red Cross
- 01/07/10: Louisiana Woman Arraigned on Hurricane Fraud Charges
- 01/06/10: Georgia Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Money from FEMA
- 12/17/09: Two Indicted for Hurricane Rita-Related Fraud
- 12/03/09: Louisville Man Pleads Guilty to Katrina Fraud
- 11/13/09: Belle Chasse Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Louisiana Road Home Program
- 11/06/09: Slidell Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding American Red Cross
- 11/04/09: Ball, Louisiana Municipal Employee Pleads Guilty to Hurricane Disaster Fraud
- 10/29/09: Laplace Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding American Red Cross
- 10/28/09: Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding American Red Cross in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
- 10/28/09: Metairie Woman Sentenced for Defrauding FEMA
- 10/22/09: Greene County Supervisors Charged in Public Corruption Cases Involving Hurricane Katrina Fraud
- 10/08/09: Hammond Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding American Red Cross
- 09/25/09: Mayor and Police Chief of Ball, Louisiana Indicted for Hurricane Disaster Fraud
- 09/23/09: Slidell Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding American Red Cross
- 08/28/09: Nacogdoches Woman Sentenced for Hurricane-Related Fraud
- 08/28/09: Eighteen Individuals Charged with Katrina-Related Federal Fraud Offenses, 141 Charged in District Since Storm
- 07/29/09: Hammond Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding American Red Cross
- 07/29/09: Slidell Woman Charged with Defrauding American Red Cross
- 07/29/09: Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 57 Months for Hurricane Katrina Fraud
- 07/23/09: Tangipahoa Man Charged with Defrauding American Red Cross
- 06/19/09: New Orleans Man Indicted for Fraud Charges Related to Hurricane Katrina
- 06/17/09: Another Pleads Guilty in Baton Rouge, Lousiana on Disaster Relief Fraud Charges
- 06/09/09: Gulfport Woman, Guilty of Katrina Fraud, Ordered to Repay Over $20,000 to FEMA and Red Cross
- 06/09/09: Biloxi Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Katrina Fraud
- 05/15/09: Lumberton Police Chief Convicted of Katrina Fraud
- 04/29/09: Natalbany Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding American Red Cross in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
- 04/20/09: Former Employee Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Red Cross
- 04/14/09: Mississippi Man Sentenced for Katrina Fraud
- 03/04/09: Gibson Man Sentenced for Defrauding American Red Cross
- 02/27/09: Harrisburg Woman Sentenced After She Stole Debit Cards for Hurricane Katrina Victims
- 02/26/09: Another Indicted, Two More Plead Guilty in Baton Rouge, Louisana, on Disaster Relief Fraud Charges
- 02/17/09: Another Sentenced in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Disaster Relief Fraud Charges
- 02/11/09: New Orleans Woman Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements to Obtain FEMA Funds for Hurricane Katrina
- 02/10/09: Jacksonville, Texas Man Sentenced for Hurricane Fraud
- 01/21/09: Vidor Woman Indicted for Stealing FEMA Trailers
- 01/07/09: Reserve Woman Sentenced for Defrauding American Red Cross
- 06/23/08: Dallas Man Sentenced in Hurricane Fraud Case
- 06/19/08: Two More Indicted and Three More Sentenced on Disaster Relief Fraud Charges in Baton Rouge, Louisiana(pdf)
- 06/09/08: Woman Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding U.S. Government of More than $30,000 Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
- 06/09/08: Eight Sentenced for Participating in Houston FEMA Fraud Ring
- 03/31/08: Houston Man Sentenced For Hurricane Fraud In Port Arthur(pdf)
- 03/06/08: Another Sentenced In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, On Disaster Relief Fraud Charges(pdf)
- 02/22/08: Four More Sentenced And Two More Indicted On Disaster Relief Fraud Charges In Baton Rouge, Louisiana(pdf)
- 02/14/08: Guilty Verdict In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, On Fraud Charges Related To A Hurricane Disaster Relief Program(pdf)
- 01/29/08: Another Sentenced in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Disaster Relief Fraud Charges(pdf)
- 01/25/08: Two More Sentenced in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Disaster Relief Fraud Charges(pdf)
- 01/22/08: Silsbee Man Guilty of Hurricane Fraud
- 01/15/08: Houston Man Guilty Of Hurricane Fraud In Port Arthur
- 01/10/08: Federal Jury In San Angelo, Texas, Convicts Woman For Defrauding U.S. Government Of More Than $30,000 Following Hurricanes Katrina And Rita
- 12/06/07: Houston Woman Charged With Hurricane Rita Fraud(pdf)
- 11/28/07: Brothers Who Operated Fraudulent Salvation Army Website After Katrina Sentenced to Prison(pdf)
- 08/16/07: Ten Charged With Conspiring To File More Than 70 Fraudulent FEMA Claims(pdf)
- 05/21/07: Fifteen Portland Area Residents Charged with Fraud and Receipt of Stolen FEMA Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Funds
FBI on the Ground Following Katrina
As water gushed into New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina, the FBI began pouring people and resources into the beleaguered city. Within days, we had nearly 500 special agents and staff from all over the country on the ground who were part of a coordinated federal effort, working with state and local authorities to help rein in the chaos and rescue those still stranded.
Read more about the FBI's response to the disaster
Read more about the FBI Disaster Squad's role in identifying victims
Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force
The FBI has partnered with the Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission, and other government agencies to form the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, led by Assistant Attorney General Alice Fisher, which is addressing all of the frauds that have resulted from the hurricane.
Links: Press Release | Department of Justice special report | DOJ Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force Page
- AFTER THE STORM: Our Continuing Work in New Orleans (08/28/07)
- HURRICANE KATRINA: Our Wide-Ranging Response (09/01/06)
- WHEN DISASTER STRIKES: Fingerprint Team Always on Call (02/08/06)
- EYE OF THE STORM: Our Response to Hurricane Katrina (11/02/05)
- DIRECTOR TRAVELS TO HURRICANE-STRIKEN REGION: His Message to Employees: “We Will Do Whatever We Can to Help You” (09/19/05)
Charitable Phishing, Spoofing Alerts
Fake Charity Websites, E-Mails
The FBI is seeing an influx of websites soliciting for charitable donations to aid the victims of the latest natural disaster, Hurricane Katrina. Consistent with previous guidance on incidents of phishing/spoofing and identity theft, when considering online options for providing funding to this relief effort, consumers should consider the following:
- Do not respond to any unsolicited (SPAM) incoming e-mails.
- To ensure contributions to U.S. based non-profit organizations are used for intended purposes, go directly to recognized charities and aid organization's websites, as opposed to following a link to another site.
- Attempt to verify the legitimacy of non-profit organizations by utilizing various Internet-based resources which may assist in confirming the existence of the organization, as well as its non-profit status.
- Be leery of e-mails claiming to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
Several variations of this scam are currently in circulation. Be aware, scammers will attempt to capitalize on the popularity of the relief efforts along the Gulf coast. If you have received a fraud, or similar e-mail, please file a complaint at www.ic3.gov.
Fake Spam E-Mail Allegedly Seeking Donations for the Red Cross
The FBI has become aware of a spam e-mail soliciting $5 donations that purports to be coming from support2@redcross.org, with the subject line of “American Redcross Help Needed! Katrina relief.” The e-mail provides a link to click and enter credit/debit card information for the $5 contribution. The link appears to go to the RedCross.org website. However, the link actually sends one to a non-affiliated collection site of http://pro-solutions2.com/cgi-bin/register.pl. THIS E-MAIL IS A HOAX. DO NOT FOLLOW THE PROVIDED LINK. Be cautious when responding to requests or special offers delivered through unsolicited e-mail:
- Guard your account information carefully.
- Keep a list of all you credit cards and account information along with the card issuer’s contact information. If your monthly statement looks suspicious or you lose your card(s) contact the issuer immediately.
- To ensure contributions to U.S. based non-profit organizations are received and used for intended purposes, go directly to recognized charities and aid organizations’ websites, as opposed to following links provided in e-mails.
If you have received this, or a similar hoax, please file a complaint at www.ic3.gov
Links: FBI Cyber Exec Warns of Online Schemers Exploiting Katrina Tragedy | Phony Pilot Busted for Katrina Fraud |
Hurricane Katrina Fraud: Do You Pass the Test?
The FBI has become aware of spam e-mails crafted in the style of a Nigerian 419 schemes, exploiting the loss of lives attributable to Hurricane Katrina disaster. The e-mail continues with instructions on how the recipient can claim money left behind, in an overseas bank account, by the next of kin. In some instances, in exchange for helping to move the funds, a portion of the inheritance is purported to be donated to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. One version of the scam actually states family members have died in both the Thailand Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina. THESE E-MAILS ARE A HOAX. DO NOT RESPOND. Other disasters Nigerian 419 schemes have attempted to capitalize on include: London Bombings; September 11, 2001; and various airplane crashes. When opening e-mails from unknown authors, please consider the following:
- Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as Nigerian or foreign government officials asking for your help in placing large sums of money.
- Do not believe the promise of large sums of money for your cooperation.
- Guard your account information carefully.
- To ensure contributions to U.S. based non-profit organizations are received and used for intended purposes, go directly to recognized charities and aid organizations’ websites, as opposed to relying on others to make the donation on your behalf. If you have received this, or similar hoax, please file a complaint at www.ic3.gov.
The FBI has teamed up with the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) to target individuals attempting to defraud people whose homes and businesses have been damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. If you believe you have been approached by a suspect contractor or adjustor or have been encouraged to fabricate an insurance claim, contact your insurance company or call the NICB hotline at 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422). For more information regarding insurance fraud, visit the following websites: the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud.
Link: Hurricane Repair Scams: Don't Get Taken by the "Big Fix"
Public Corruption and Government Fraud
On September 15, 2005, the FBI launched a tip line, 1-800-CALL FBI or 1-800-225-5324, to collect information and complaints of public corruption and government fraud, in connection with the Hurricane Katrina aftermath. Information related to these matters can be provided toll-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These lines are manned by FBI personnel and the information collected is analyzed, investigated, and shared with our state, local, and federal law enforcement personnel.
Link: Press Release
The U.S. Department of Justice is working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to help reunite families separated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Go to the site to view photos of children looking for their parents and see photos of missing children. If you have or need any information, call NCMEC's Katrina/Rita Missing Persons hot line at 1-888-544-5475.
The FBI has obtained the authority to provide states with access to the FBI criminal history database for the purpose of conducting background checks on any volunteer, relief worker, or evacuee associated with Hurricane Katrina who would have access to children. The FBI is waiving its $24 fee that is normally charged for fingerprint-based checks relating to employment, licensing, and suitability. This limited authority expires on November 7, 2005 and requires a state or federal statute authorizing a fingerprint-based criminal history background check for individuals with access to children.
A hotline has been established for you and your families impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Call 202-323-3520, -3539, or -3542 from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST) seven days a week. An FAQ is being prepared and will be posted here shortly.
Other Important Links
New Orleans Division Personnel
Benefits and Insurance Information
Leave Information
JFCU Hurricane Assistance Program
Resource List for FBI Employees/Families
Travel Allowances for Evacuated Employees impacted by Hurricane Katrina