New York Authorities Shut Down Fraudulent Website Targeting Holocaust Survivors

New York state authorities uncovered a sophisticated scam targeting Holocaust survivors and their families, involving fraudulent letters from a fictitious organization called "Claims Holocaust Jewish Center." The letters falsely claimed recipients were eligible for compensation and property restitution, urging them to contact the fake group to claim their rights. Upon investigation, the authorities found no legal or organizational basis for the entity.

Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the scam as a despicable exploitation of Holocaust survivors' suffering and historical rights. Law enforcement and the New York Department of Financial Services acted swiftly to remove the fraudulent website used by the scammers. The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany also issued a firm statement denying any connection to the impostor group and reminded survivors that official compensation claims are free and do not require paid intermediaries.

Similar scam letters have been reported in other U.S. regions, including Atlanta, with some referencing a Vancouver address that turned out to be a local Jewish community center unrelated to the fraud. Jewish organizations across the U.S. urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid sharing sensitive personal or financial information with unknown parties, and verify any claims only through official channels.

Since 1997, New York has maintained a dedicated office providing free legal and administrative assistance to Holocaust survivors and their heirs to help recover bank deposits, insurance benefits, and cultural property stolen by the Nazis. This official support aims to protect survivors from such fraudulent schemes and ensure rightful compensation.