Officials warn of Red Cross scam
By Staff Reports
Published in News on November 11, 2012 1:50 AM
The American Red Cross of Eastern North Carolina has put out an alert to the community that there are individuals posing as American Red Cross staff members offering to pay workers to travel to the Northeast to help with storm cleanup.
The scam asks individuals to gather at a local public parking lot to load in a van or bus to travel to New York and New Jersey to assist with clean up efforts, and will be paid a lump sum per day.
The American Red Cross does not pay for volunteer to aid in a disaster. All American Red Cross volunteers are not paid, have had a background check, and have gone through extensive Red Cross disaster training before being deployed.
All deployments for American Red Cross volunteers come with official travel arrangements, paperwork, and are directed through an official staff member at a local chartered chapter.
If is unlawful to pose as an American Red Cross staff member or volunteer without proper training and identification.
Residents be aware of any and all scams and contact the local Red Cross office if you are offered payment and transportation to Hurricane Sandy relief sites.