Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL) released the following warning to constituents against individuals soliciting funds in exchange for the re-opening of USDA farmer discrimination cases:  

“Growing reports of fraud in the 7th Congressional District involving USDA farmer discrimination cases have been brought to my attention over the past several days. According to multiple sources, certain individuals are illegally soliciting funds from people with the promise of reopening several USDA farmer discrimination cases. Local law enforcement officials have reported that some of these individuals are fraudulently claiming to be collecting funds on behalf of my office in exchange for the re-opening of these cases. It is critical that the public is warned against these scams.

The fact is that the Black, Native American, Hispanic and Women Farmer Lawsuits have been adjudicated. No more claims in these lawsuits can be filed and there are currently no plans to provide additional settlement.  The claims period for the Second Settlement Phase of the Black Farmer Lawsuit (Pigford II) ended on May 11, 2012. The Hispanic (Garcia v. Vilsack) and Women (Love v Vilsack) Farmer claims period ended on May 1, 2013. The Native American Farmer claims period (Keepseagle v. Vilsack) closed on December 27, 2011.   In no instance will a member of my staff or a representative from my office approach an individual to request funds in exchange for assistance with these settlements. My constituents are advised to refrain from providing any funds to individuals or groups offering such assistance.  If solicited, constituents should notify local law enforcement and report such instances to my Birmingham district office at 205-254-1960 so that perpetrators can be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

My office will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure that minority farmers are protected from these fraudulent scams.”

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