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About BuffaloLawyers.com
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Western New York's Legal Source
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February 8, 2010
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National Center for Disaster Fraud to Coordinate Haitian Fraud Complaints
FBI-Washington, D.C.--The FBI and the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) have established a telephone hotline to report suspected Haitian earthquake relief fraud. The number is (866) 720-5721. The phone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also e-mail information directly to disaster@leo.gov.
The National Center for Disaster Fraud was originally established by the Department of Justice to investigate, prosecute, and deter fraud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or man-made disaster. More than 20 federal agencies, including the FBI, participate in the NCDF, allowing it to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information related to Haitian relief fraud.
The FBI continues to remind the public to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations on behalf of Haitian victims. Solicitations can originate from e-mails, websites, door-to-door collections, mailings and telephone calls, and similar methods.
Therefore, before making a donation of any kind, consumers should adhere to certain guidelines, including the following:
Do not respond to any unsolicited (spam) incoming e-mails, including clicking links contained within those messages.
Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as surviving victims or officials asking for donations via e-mail or social networking sites.
Beware of organizations with copy-cat names similar to but not exactly the same as those of reputable charities.
Rather than following a purported link to a website, verify the legitimacy of non-profit organizations by utilizing various Internet-based resources that may assist in confirming the group’s existence and its non-profit status.
Be cautious of e-mails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files, because the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
To ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
Do not be pressured into making contributions, as reputable charities do not use such tactics.
Do not give your personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions. Providing such information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.
Avoid cash donations if possible. Pay by debit or credit card, or write a check directly to the charity. Do not make checks payable to individuals
If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of Haitian earthquake victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721. You can also fax information to (225) 334-4707 or e-mail it to disaster@leo.gov.
You can also report suspicious e-mail solicitations or fraudulent websites to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov.
IF YOU LIVE IN WESTERN NEW YORK AND HAVE BEEN INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT...
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Erie County District Attorney's Office
Frank A. Sedita, III
Erie County District Attorney
PHONE: 716-858-2424
FAX: 716-858-7425
The District Attorney is Erie County's chief prosecutor, responsible for investigating crime, presenting evidence to the Grand Jury, and implementing the just prosecution of persons indicted for criminal offenses. The District Attorney tries felonies in Erie County and New York State Supreme Courts; as well as misdemeanors and non-criminal offenses in the city, town and village courts of Erie County. In related duties, the District Attorney also argues appeals and handles other post-conviction matters, initiates forfeiture proceedings, oversees extradition of wanted persons, and litigates habeas corpus petitions brought in both state and federal court. The work performed by the District Attorney's Office is mandated by New York State law.
SERVICE OBJECTIVES
To present evidence to the Grand Jury in felony cases.
To prosecute cases in the 12 City Court criminal courts for misdemeanors and other offenses originating in the City of Buffalo.
To prosecute cases in the 38 Justice Criminal Courts for misdemeanors and other offenses originating in Erie County cities, towns and villages outside the City of Buffalo.
To prosecute felony offenses in Superior Court that includes career criminal cases and major violent offenses.
To investigate and prosecute assault, rape and sexual abuse cases.
To manage, investigate and prosecute felony and misdemeanor level cases of domestic violence.
To promote community outreach and education in abuse prevention
To provide supportive services to victims and witnesses of crime through counseling, referral service and community education.
To conduct special investigations and prosecute cases of public corruption, white-collar crime, tax fraud and arson.
To investigate and prosecute welfare fraud, food stamp fraud and criminal non-support cases To initiate, investigate and prosecute narcotics cases.
To initiate, investigate and process asset forfeiture actions To conduct post-trial proceedings and file appeals cases to county, state and federal appeals courts.
To process federal Habeas Corpus proceedings.
Effectively utilize grant funding to provide this Office with the ability to devote more prosecutors and support staff for enhanced prosecution efforts and best serve the needs of this County.
To investigate and prosecute vehicular crimes.
To assist law enforcement in making a crime scene determination in an auto accident.
To train law enforcement on new vehicular crime law and technology in investigating vehicular crimes.
To work with S.T.O.P. DWI by providing monthly statistics and case dispositions to aid them with fine tracking. Also assist them with legal issues, such as conducting a constitutionally valid DWI checkpoint.
The Erie County District Attorney's Office handles approximately 45,000 misdemeanor and 2,500 felony matters a year. This office is presently comprised of approximately 85 attorneys, 12 investigators and 60 support staff. The Erie County District Attorney's Office is broken up into 11 bureaus to prosecute all different types of crimes.
To find out more information about the District Attorney's Office and how it can serve you, please visit the District Attorney's website at www.eriecountydistrictattorney.gov
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