BBB Alert: Scams Emerge Following BP Oil Spill
Better Business Bureau serving eastern North Carolina warns consumers to beware of three scams related to jobs, claims and donations arising from the BP oil spill.
RALEIGH, NC, July 10, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In the wake of the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history, a coordinated effort is underway to clean up the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and provide aid to affected businesses and families. Better Business Bureau serving Eastern North Carolina alerts consumers that the massive recovery effort creates multiple opportunities for scammers to easily deceive those trying to provide assistance.
"Unfortunately, following any national disaster, scammers will find a way to prey on the misfortune of others," said Beverly Baskin, President & CEO of BBB serving Eastern North Carolina. "Whether they are looking to provide work or financial assistance to relief efforts, potential donors should do their research to make sure they know who will benefit from their time and donations."
BBB warns consumers to beware of three scams related to jobs, claims and donations arising from the BP oil spill:
The Job Scam: Several organizations including BP and BBB have reported on job scams in the wake of the oil spill. Most commonly, job hunters say they were told to pay an upfront fee to get a job or pay for training. BBB has also heard from people who were recruited for cleanup work by outfits that did not seem to have a contract with BP or their respective states.
Jobs available directly with BP are posted on BP's website. For jobs through the state, such as Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, you can visit the states' job websites. If you have been recruited by a company that claims to have a contract with BP, research the business fully and try to confirm with BP that they are a legitimate employer for the oil spill clean up. BBB advises job hunters to be wary of companies that require applicants to pay an upfront fee.
The vast majority of jobs created will go to Gulf residents or industry specialists. Many of the jobs involved in the cleanup also require specific training or certifications, such as Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response training. For most cleanup jobs, the employer will provide appropriate training for new employees.
The Claim Scam: Unsolicited e-mails claiming that the recipients qualify for compensation from BP are landing in inboxes. Additionally, the FTC warns against phony adjusters who ask for fees to expedite services.
BP is accepting claims from individuals and businesses for property damage, loss of income and bodily injury or illness. At this point it is unclear whether or not BP is accepting claims from vacationers who are seeking reimbursement for cancelled trips to the Gulf. The toll-free BP claims line is 1-800-440-0858. The line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or you can file a claim online through BP's website. Additionally, there are many claims offices along the Gulf Coast. More information is available through the Deepwater Horizon Response website and on BP's website.
The Charity Scam: Following any major disaster, scammers will pose as charitable organizations and try to solicit donations from well-meaning individuals.
The oil spill is unlike previous disasters. Constraints in the clean up effort limit what charities can do with your money or how you can volunteer. While you can't donate or volunteer to clean up oil, opportunities may include shoreline monitoring, fund raising, office work help in food programs for families in need and providing transportation. Numerous charities with volunteer programs ask that you register with them so that they can assess your skills and place you appropriately when openings arise.
BBB Wise Giving Alliance has compiled a list of nationally soliciting charities which meet BBB standards that are asking for donations and volunteers for the Gulf effort.
How to Contact BP:
BP has set up phone numbers to address specific concerns surrounding the Oil Spill. You can find a contact list on their website.
Where to Report Fraud
BP has set up a fraud hotline at 1-877-359-6281. Additionally, you can alert the FBI by calling (866) 720-5721 or via e-mail disaster@leo.gov.
For more information to help you make an informed purchasing decision or donation, visit http://easternnc.bbb.org/Consumer-Tips/.
Press Release Contact Information:
Courtney Smith
Better Business Bureau
Public Relations
5540 Munford Rd, Ste 130
Raleigh, NC
USA 27613
Voice: 919-277-4220
Website: Visit Our Website
