Several fraud schemes have emerged targeting families of unaccompanied minors for cash. The San Antonio FBI said in a release that two callers contacted families of border children based in the United States requesting payments between $300 and several thousand dollars. One group of callers identified themselves with a charitable or nonprofit organization that assisted in the children's refuge and reunion with their families, while other callers used the phone number of a local business to sound credible with their request.
Fraud schemes propelled by crises or natural disasters aren’t uncommon, the release said, and other individuals have committed similar crimes in the past while seeking contributions for legitimate expenses, charitable organizations or good causes. The FBI advises that all recipients of monetary requests be skeptical and contact their local FBI office.
IN-DEPTH
- House GOP Group Unveils Border Recommendations
- City Tries to Ban Border kids. Civil Rights Groups Fight Back
- DHS Chief Jeh Johnson: Border Response Working, Needs More Money
— Natalie Daher