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It’s war time and the scammers come out to play.
A group that calls themselves the North American Center for Emergency Communications at NACEC.org is among the latest to come under suspicion.
The group has not been brought to the attention of the state Attorney General’s Office. Chris Jarvis, AGO, consumer protection division, said nothing about the NACEC Web site immediately struck him as suspicious. Except for the general idea it presented.
“It’s the first time I’ve heard of any private organization trying to help get care packages to the military,” said Chris Jarvis, who was visiting the NACEC.org Web site for the first time. “Frankly, I’d think at this time the military would be the best avenue for this type of thing.”
Indeed, the problem of possible fraud and misuse of personal data has grown so much that on March 22 the US Department of Defense released a statement that, in effect, endorses three ways of getting messages and care packages to troops:
“Recently, DoD has become aware of organizations and individuals who continue to support some form of the “Any Servicemember” program by using the names and addresses of individual servicemembers and unit addresses,” the statement says. “These programs are usually supported by well-intentioned, thoughtful and patriotic groups who are simply unaware of the new risks facing deployed military forces.
The Department of Defense mentions only two groups that are no longer sanctioned by the military, the “Operation Dear Abby” and “Any Servicemember” mail programs. This was due to “force protection concerns.”
Without a direct friend or family connection to a soldier, the general public is discouraged from sending anything to troops.
“Although these programs provide an excellent means of support to friends and loved ones stationed overseas,” the Defense Department release states, “they also provide an avenue to introduce hazardous substances or materials into the mail system from unknown sources. Unsolicited mail, packages and donations from organizations and individuals also compete for limited airlift space used to transport supplies, war-fighting materiel and mail from family and loved ones.
The North American Center for Emergency Communications has received particular attention, since it has remained dormant since after the First Persian Gulf War. That attention includes a widely e-mailed warning to Rotary Club of America members.
The NACEC, based in Minnesota could not be reached, despite numerous attempts.
The group, because of its acronym, should not be confused with other long-existing groups. These include the National Association of Charitable Estate Counselors and the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation.
To show support to troops overseas, the following Web sites are recommended by the Department of Defense:
The Army Knowledge Online site is another official avenue for support from family members. In addition, the Defense Department encourages people to visit Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and nursing homes.
(Temple A. Stark is a free-lance writer. Reach him at temple@templestark.com). | 