New York reps seek investigation into reported 9/11 scam artists

A bipartisan group of New York lawmakers wants an investigation into a reported scam targeting 9/11 first responders and survivors with illnesses related to the attack. 

“The thousands of 9/11 responders and survivors who have been injured by the toxins at Ground Zero have faced years of adversity and challenges,” Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D), Jerrold Nadler (D) and Pete King (R) wrote in a letter to the Federal Trade Commission, as cited by The New York Daily News. 

{mosads}”It is despicable that this community now needs to worry about being tricked into revealing sensitive personal information that could cause real harm in their lives if the data was used maliciously.”

The newspaper on reported on Sunday that people claiming to be part of the federal September 11th Victim Compensation Fund have been reaching out to those with 9/11-related illnesses. 

The suspect scammers have reportedly requested personal information from victims, including Social Security numbers and addresses. 

The Victim Compensation Fund has warned victims about the reported scam. 

“Upon hearing about the incidents, the [fund] immediately clarified its identity validation policy so claimants could be confident that they are speaking to [fund[ representatives,” an agency spokeswoman said, according to the Daily News. “Effective immediately, the [fund] will never ask you for your full Social Security number.”