Prepared Remarks of

Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales

at The Press Conference
Regarding Hurricane Katrina Fraud
Task Force
Washington, DC
September 13, 2005
Good afternoon.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, millions of Americans have responded to this

disaster with the kind of generous spirit that has become the hallmark of our great
Nation.

Families, friends, and neighbors – from near and far – have opened their hearts and
homes to evacuees. Truckloads of water and other supplies have arrived in the
affected areas from every corner of the country. And individuals and corporations
have donated to charities in record amounts, to aid the hands-on relief efforts
throughout the Gulf Coast.

Amidst these countless acts of kindness, however, a devious few have sought to take
advantage of our collective generosity. For instance, reports have indicated that
some criminals have attempted to profit from this disaster by posting fraudulent
Internet sites to lure well-intentioned donations from unsuspecting citizens.

There is no place for crimes of this nature in our compassionate society. We have a
responsibility to safeguard the integrity of the relief efforts that provide generous
support to victims who desperately need help.

We have previously announced the formation of the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task
Force to help deter, investigate, and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes such
as charity fraud and insurance fraud.

I am here today to emphasize that the work of this task force is a top priority for the
Department. Chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice Fisher, the Task Force is
coordinating law enforcement efforts across the federal government – and with our
state and local partners – to effectively combat fraud cases relating to Hurricane
Katrina.

To anyone who is contemplating any kind of fraudulent scheme that takes advantage
of Hurricane Katrina and her aftermath, let me be very clear. Federal, state, and
local law enforcement officials are watching carefully, and we will have zero
tolerance for these kinds of crimes. If you engage in fraudulent behavior, you will be
prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

We must ensure that those offering a helping hand do not become victims
themselves. And that those found preying on the compassion of our citizens are
punished.

Assistant Attorney General Alice Fisher will now further discuss these efforts and
then we are happy to take questions.

Thank you.

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