Protect Yourself from Hurricane and Flooding Scams
In the aftermath of hurricanes and floods, it’s crucial to stay vigilant – not just about physical recovery, but also about potential scams. Fraudsters target disaster victims when they’re most vulnerable, using various methods to steal money or personal information. Likewise, opportunistic scammers often take advantage of those not directly impacted by the storm, but who want to help those in peril.
Scam activity spikes significantly after major storms hit. In 2022, the aftermath of Hurricane Ian saw a sharp rise in fraud with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warning about fake contractors, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) impersonators and donation scams costing Americans billions. Similar trends in scams were also seen after Tropical Storm Hillary in 2023. And now we have the aftermaths of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. North Carolina’s Gov. Roy Cooper’s administration noted that there are at least “a record $53 billion in damages and recovery needs in western North Carolina alone.”
Here are some things you can do to help protect yourself from disaster scams:
– Verify contractor licenses and avoid upfront payments. Scammers are good actors who impersonate contractors. It is critical to check credentials and references before hiring an individual or company to repair property. Don’t fall for a seemingly quick fix and/or low rates.
– Avoid FEMA scams. Criminals apply to FEMA for assistance using names, addresses and social security numbers they have stolen. If someone claiming to be from FEMA knocks on your door, remember that real officials carry photo identification badges and they do not charge for any services including filling out an application. Likewise, FEMA officials are not authorized to gather any personal financial information. If someone promises a disaster grant in return for full payment, that’s a scam and you should contact your state’s attorney general office or police.
– Watch out for donation scams. It is suggested to only donate money to trusted organizations like the Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/. If you are solicited and unsure of an organization, check the ratings with the Better Business Bureau, search the word “scam” with the organization’s name and read online reviews. To verify that a website is legitimate, make sure the URL begins with “https://” which communicates that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. If you do donate, use a credit card. Also remember that no legitimate agency will pressure you to donate. Read More
Guard Well Identity Theft Solutions exists to provide you, your family and your employees from the damages of identity theft. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help or have any questions or concerns. We are available to you 24/7/365 at 888.966.4827 (GUARD) and [email protected].
Photo credit: NASA under license via unsplash.com.
