Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

Law enforcement agencies in New Mexico reported 55 hate crime incidents in 2020, an increase from 50 reported the year before, adding urgency to an FBI campaign to get victims to come forward.

The data was included in the Hate Crime Statistics, 2020, a report released by the FBI on Monday, August 30, 2021.

“The FBI wants everyone in New Mexico and across the nation to know that we are going after hate crimes,” Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda said. “There is no place in our communities for hate. Anyone who was a victim or a witness to a hate-related incident is encouraged to report it to law enforcement and the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.”

Tips can also be sent online at tips.fbi.gov.

Most of the reports in New Mexico involved a bias against race, ethnicity, or ancestry, with 35 incidents.

The report can be found at: https://crime-data-explorer.fr.cloud.gov/pages/explorer/crime/hate-crime

The Albuquerque FBI Division is in the midst of a campaign to build public awareness of hate crimes and encourage reporting to law enforcement.

Local media have interviewed SAC Bujanda on the topic, special agents and staff have participated in community outreach efforts, and the division regularly posts hate crime awareness materials on social media.

The FBI is the lead investigative agency for criminal violations of federal civil rights statutes.

Hate crimes, defined as a traditional offense with an added element of bias, are the highest priority of the FBI’s civil rights program because of the devastating impact they have on families and communities.

The FBI works closely with state, local, and tribal authorities on hate crime investigations, even when federal charges are not brought.

Anyone who is a victim or a victim of any hate-related incident should immediately report it to law enforcement.

After a report is submitted, the FBI will work with its law enforcement partners and use its resources and expertise to determine if an incident meets the federal criminal standard.

The FBI works to protect all victims of crimes, regardless of their country of national origin or immigration status.

The FBI’s national news release on the 2020 hate crime report can be found at: https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/fbi-releases-2020-hate-crime-statistics

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

NEW ORLEANS, LA—As citizens impacted by Hurricane Ida begin to assess damage to their homes and or businesses, the FBI New Orleans Division warns the public about the potential for hurricane-related fraud. Unfortunately, hurricane or natural disaster damage often provides opportunities for criminals to scam storm victims and those who are assisting victims with recovery.

Scammers may go door to door to target residents in areas affected by hurricanes. It’s important for the public to know that government workers are required to carry official identification and show it if requested. Closely scrutinize any ID you see and call the agency directly to confirm a worker’s identity if you are unsure. Scammers may also call, text, mail, or email with promises to quickly provide aid. Do not give out personal information without confirming the legitimacy of the person contacting you and the agency. Specifically, contractor fraud scams are prevalent in the aftermath of a natural disaster. If your home or business was damaged, you will need a reputable contractor—remember not everyone who claims to be able to repair your property is legitimate. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says officials with government disaster assistance agencies do not call or text asking for financial information, and there is no fee required to apply for assistance.

If your property was damaged by Hurricane Ida and you have homeowner’s insurance, contact your insurance company. Also, contact FEMA or follow guidance from your local government. Consumers should also be aware of scammers posing as representatives of charities seeking donations for disaster relief. Only donate to charities you know and trust, and never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails. Make your donations using a check or credit card. If a charity or organization asks you to donate through cash, gift card, virtual currency, or wire transfer, it’s probably a scam.

If you believe you have been a victim of hurricane-related fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at 1-866-720-5721 or email it to disaster@leo.gov. You can also report suspicious email solicitations or fraudulent websites to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov.

The NCDF was established in 2005 by the Department of Justice in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.