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FBI Warns Scammers Seeking To Exploit Sego Mine Disaster

By Mark Huffman
ConsumerAffairs.com

January 12, 2006
Scammers often take advantage of highly publicized tragedies to exploit the public's good will and generosity, and the Sego Mine disaster, which cost 12 West Virginia coal miners their lives, is no exception.

The FBI is warning the public not to respond to an email appeal for funds to help the lone survivor of the accident.

"The e-mail falsely claims to be authored by a physician at the hospital where the survivor is currently receiving medical attention. It describes the condition of the survivor and the financial assistance that is needed for a full recovery," the bureau said in a statement.

The FBI said it is treating the situation seriously and is working with other law enforcement and private industry partners to identify the person(s) responsible. It's asking for anyone who has received an e-mail of this nature is asked to contact the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) via the website at www.ic3.gov.

"As was learned after the tragic events of 9/11/01, the Tsunami disaster, and more recently with Hurricane Katrina, unscrupulous cyber criminals have shown the desire and means to exploit human emotion by attempting to defraud the public when they are perceived to be most vulnerable," an FBI spokesman said.

Agents said computer users are strongly urged not to open or respond to unsolicited e-mails of any kind. Furthermore, e-mails requesting personal information or soliciting funds should be thoroughly verified for their legitimacy before responding.

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