Scams often pop up after natural disasters or emergencies. You can avoid scams by being and staying aware of common scam tactics.

Imposter Scams & Phishing

Be aware of imposters. Scammers may pose as important people. They may claim they are working with a government agency. They bait their victim with great offers. Or they scare them with threats. They are ‘phishing’ for personal or financial information. Their goal is to get you to react through emotion instead of logic.

Possible types of natural disaster scams include:

• Fraudulent charities soliciting donations for disaster victims that often imitate the names of charities linked to the disaster.
• Scammers impersonating government officials, offering disaster relief in exchange for personal information or money.
• Scammers promoting non-existent businesses or investment opportunities related to disaster recovery, such as rebuilding or flood-proofing.
• Price gouging for essential goods and services needed by disaster victims.

Emergency Home and Property Damage Repair Scams

Review these warning signs before hiring a “professional:”

• A door-to-door salesperson is offering a ‘one-time only’ special deal;
• Feeling pressured to act now;
• The contract is confusing;
• They don’t have a license;
• They can’t give you references;
• You must pay for everything before they start the work;
• You must pay in cash;
• They will not write out their offer;
• Their vehicle has out-of-state license plates; and
• They don’t have a business sign on their vehicle.

Always:

• Get in touch with your insurance company;
• Speak to a local licensed professional;
• Review credentials and references;
• Get more than one written estimate; and
• Ask for a contract and read it carefully.

Scammers Attracted by FEMA Payments

• Scammers will go after eligible FEMA payments. Remember:
• Federal and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money;
• FEMA employees always carry an ID badge with a photo;
• FEMA will not contact you unless you have called or applied for assistance;
• FEMA never charges a fee to inspect your property;
• FEMA does not hire or endorse specific contractors; and
• FEMA contracted inspectors assessing damage never charge a fee to inspect your property.

Flood-Damaged Vehicles

Flood-damaged cars are often sold online. They can quickly be shipped across the country. Making it common for car dealers outside the disaster area to receive and sell these vehicles.

Flood-damaged cars don’t always show damage right away. This doesn’t mean vital parts like airbag sensors, brakes, and electrical systems aren’t affected.

Before buying a used car get the VIN number. It’s important to do a VIN check. You’ll also want to review the vehicle’s history. And it never hurts to have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle.

Signs of a flood-damaged vehicle:

• Musty or “over-perfumed” smell;
• Discolored interior;
• Mold; or
• Water stains, moisture, mud, or residue in the trunk, under the carpet, or in unusual areas.

Best practices to keep your data and bank accounts secure include, but are not limited to:

• Donate to charities you know and trust.
• Designate the donation for a specific disaster relief effort as opposed to a general fund.
• Practice good cyber hygiene. Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails, texts, or social media posts.
• To protect against common scam tactics such as Smishing, Vishing, and Spear Phishing, see – ic3.gov-PSA
• Verify the legitimacy of any solicitation by contacting the organization directly through a trusted contact number.
• Beware of organizations with names that are similar to, but not exactly the same as, those of reputable charities.
• Avoid charities that ask for you to pay by cash, gift card, virtual (crypto) currency, or wire transfer.
• Pay by credit card or write a check directly to the charity; do not make checks payable to individuals.
• Know that most legitimate charity websites end in “.org” rather than “.com.”
• Make contributions directly; do not rely on others to make a contribution on your behalf.

Related Links

• After Storms, Watch Out for Scams
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Fraud and Scams
• How Fraudsters Prey on Good Nature Following Disaster
• Steer Clear of Scams After Natural Disasters