FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
November 22, 2013
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Alabama Attorney General
Claire Haynes (334) 242-7351
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AG WARNS OF POSSIBLE SCAMS REGARDING
BLACK FARMERS DISCRIMINATION SETTLEMENT
(MONTGOMERY) -Attorney General Luther Strange is warning consumers to
be wary of people or organizations offering help in filing claims in the Black Farmers
Discrimination Litigation involving the United States Department of Agriculture, for
which the deadline has already passed and it is no longer possible to file claims.
“I am concerned by reports that there may be meetings in Alabama where black
farmers are told that, for a fee, someone can help them file claims and participate in a
federal discrimination lawsuit,” said Attorney General Strange. “This is simply untrue,
and farmers should not pay any money or provide personal information.”
The federal courts gave final approval to the settlement on October 27, 2011,
providing over $1 billion to settle claims by African American farmers that the USDA
discriminated against them between 1981 and 1996 based on race, wrongfully denying
them farm loans, loan servicing, and other benefits, or giving them loans with unfair
terms. The deadline to file a claim for the settlement was May 11, 2012, more than one
year ago.
Information about the settlement is available through the toll-free number of its
claims administrator, 1-877-810-8110. Among the information offered in a recorded
message is that “There are no further opportunities to file a claim in this settlement
regardless of what you may have heard elsewhere.”
“It is unfortunate that scammers prey upon the hopes of those in need,” said
Attorney General Strange. “We urge consumers to be cautious with anyone who is
asking for a fee or for personal information, and to contact my Consumer Protection
Section if they have concerns.”
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section may be contacted by
visiting www.ago.alabama.gov or by calling its toll-free hotline at 1-800-392-5658.
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501 Washington Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 242-7300
www.ago.state.al.us
