Consumer Warning Issued in New York

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a warning to the public following reports of a group named the Jewish Holocaust Claims Center that is reaching out to Holocaust survivors and their families for compensation claims. State officials are raising concerns that this could be a scam.

The New York State Department of Financial Services has stated that it cannot verify the identity or services of this group and has escalated the issue to law enforcement authorities.

Additionally, the department reported the group’s website to its hosting service, which has since removed the site.

The matter has also been referred to the inspector generals of New York, New Jersey, and the U.S. Postal Service for further investigation.

Governor Hochul remarked, “Defrauding and stealing from Holocaust survivors and their families is an abomination,” committing to ensuring that these survivors receive the support and compensation they rightfully deserve.

Caitlin Aslow, the acting supervisor for the department, emphasized the importance of verifying unsolicited offers independently before sharing any personal or financial information.

The Holocaust Claims Office, which was established in 1997, helps Holocaust victims and their descendants recover various assets, including bank accounts, insurance proceeds, and cultural property.

To date, the office has returned over $184 million in assets to victims’ families and has facilitated the recovery of 356 cultural artifacts, all without charging claimants for its services.