‘Lowest of lows’: US Holocaust survivors targeted in fake restitution scam

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a stern warning to Holocaust survivors and their families regarding a fraudulent scheme that targets them with fake restitution offers. The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) alerted the public to correspondence from an entity identifying itself as the “Jewish Holocaust Claims Center” or “JHCC.” This group urged individuals to contact them to submit claims for compensation.

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Scamming and stealing from Holocaust survivors and their families is the lowest of lows.

DFS stated that it cannot verify the identity, services, or legitimacy of the JHCC. They are urging Holocaust survivors and their families to exercise extreme caution when contacted about potential eligibility for compensation or restitution. The department has referred the scam to law enforcement authorities and reported the entity's website, which has since been taken down. Governor Hochul condemned the act, calling it "the lowest of lows" to scam or steal from Holocaust survivors and their families.

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This program delivers justice to Holocaust survivors who’ve suffered through the unspeakable, and I’m committed to ensuring New York State protects survivors and their families, and provides the assistance and assets these New Yorkers deserve.

The Claims Conference also issued a warning against the scam, advising survivors and their families to be cautious of unsolicited communications regarding compensation or restitution. They confirmed no affiliation with the organization and stated they could not verify its identity or services. The Claims Conference recommended that individuals refrain from sharing personal, financial, banking, or sensitive family information with unverified entities. The DFS's Holocaust Claims Processing Office (HCPO), established in 1997, assists Holocaust victims and their descendants in recovering assets, unpaid insurance proceeds, and lost or looted artworks without charging fees.

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The Claims Conference is not affiliated with this organization, has not authorized these communications, and is not involved in sending or administering these letters. This letter is not legitimate. We are not familiar with this organization and cannot verify its identity, services, representations, or legitimacy.