Fraud, identity theft reports surface in Dolly's wake

The winds and rain have long subsided, but for some Rio Grande Valley residents, Hurricane Dolly's aftermath might be even more destructive than the storm itself.

Reports of fraud and identity theft have begun circulating in Cameron County, where many are still awaiting supplies from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and a number of state agencies.

"They are preying on those who have lost the most," said County Commissioner John Wood.

People falsely claiming to be from FEMA and other recovery agencies have approached a number of residents. They have been asked for - and in many cases they have provided - their Social Security numbers and other personal information. In exchange for such information, impersonators told residents they would receive food and other necessities.

County officials suspect that perpetrators of identity theft are taking advantage of residents' desperation.

"This is a common occurrence after hurricanes," said Johnny Cavazos, the county's emergency management coordinator. "We're advising people that no one from the county, state or FEMA is asking for Social Security numbers."

Identity theft and other forms of fraud became so common after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 that the U.S. Department of Justice formed the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force.

"This is an issue that you'll see repeated over and over again after natural disasters," said Robert Siciliano, a personal security expert and CEO of IDtheftsecurity.com "Katrina was one event. This hurricane was another."

Siciliano says that criminals continue to target vulnerable populations through mailing and emailing campaigns, and by claiming to be representatives of recovery agencies.

At this point, Cavazos claims he has received only "scattered reports" of potential identity theft cases.

County Commissioner David Garza, who represents one of the most seriously affected areas in Cameron County, has also fielded phone calls from residents who have been approached by FEMA impersonators.

"They have been asked for Social Security numbers, addresses, and birth dates," Garza said.

Residents who are asked for such information are advised to call the police.

ksieff@brownsvilleherald.com