Governor Hochul warns that a bogus Holocaust claims group may be scamming survivors
New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a consumer alert after a group calling itself the “Jewish Holocaust Claims Center” solicited Holocaust survivors for compensation, prompting officials to label it a possible fraud.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a consumer warning after a self-styled “Jewish Holocaust Claims Center” began contacting Holocaust survivors and their families to file compensation claims. The New York State Department of Financial Services said it could not confirm the group’s credentials and has reported the matter to law-enforcement authorities in New York, New Jersey and the U.S. Postal Service, while also requesting the site’s host to remove the webpage.
Hochul described the alleged scam as “the lowest of the lows” and vowed to ensure survivors receive any rightful assistance or assets. Acting superintendent Kaitlin Asrow advised potential victims to independently verify unsolicited offers before providing any personal or financial information. The department’s Holocaust Claims Processing Office, created in 1997, assists victims and heirs in recovering bank accounts, insurance proceeds and cultural property at no charge, having recovered more than $184 million and 356 cultural objects to date.
Why it matters
Scams targeting Holocaust survivors can exploit vulnerable individuals and divert funds meant for restitution.
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