
Beware the Second Wave: After the Storm, Scammers Surge
It was only a couple days after the hurricane when Kathleen received a phone call. The storm’s destruction was severe, and it was hard to imagine anything being normal again. Everyone was still in shock and trying to start to piece their lives back together. The friendly person on the line was a welcomed voice claiming to be from a well-known disaster relief organization. They were offering to help immediately with aid if she provided her bank information for "verification purposes to get things started quickly." Feeling overwhelmed and desperate for help, Kathleen almost took advantage of this easy and quick resolution but decided to hold off until she spoke with her husband. Thankfully, her neighbor mentioned that similar calls were going around targeting storm victims. Kathleen realized she had almost been a victim of a scam.
In times of crisis emotions run high and communities are vulnerable It's essential during these times to be hyper-aware of the increase in scams that prey on vulnerable disaster victims.
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that in 2021, consumers lost more than $6 billion to fraud, with disaster-related scams accounting for a significant portion of these losses.
- According to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), they received over 100,000 disaster-related fraud complaints in the five years following Hurricane Katrina.
These statistics highlight the very real threat of potential scams after a disaster. It is important to always stay aware and informed about the most current scams. We’ve put together a list of many common post-disaster scams and some tips on how to protect your family during these extremely stressful times.
- Government and Charity Impersonation- Scammers often pretend to be government representatives or charity workers offering disaster relief funds, grants, or other assistance.
Be wary of:
- Unsolicited calls, emails, or visits claiming to be from government agencies or charities.
- Requests for sensitive information or upfront payments.
- Pressure to act immediately or other high-pressure tactics.
- Charges for home inspections, disaster assistance, or help filling out applications.
- 2. Contractor and Repair Fraud- After a disaster, homeowners are often desperate to repair damaged property. Scammers posing as contractors may claim to be from insurance companies, demanding payment for work they never intend to complete.
Watch out for:
- Unsolicited offers for immediate and quick repairs or pushing you to the front of the line.
- Demands for large upfront payments.
- Reluctance to provide proper identification, licenses, or insurance information.
- Insurance Scams - In the chaos following a disaster, insurance-related scams can grow rapidly.
Be cautious of:
- People claiming to be insurance adjusters who can't provide proper identification.
- Offers to inflate damage claims.
- Pressure to sign blank insurance forms.
- 4. Identity Theft - Disasters create opportunities for identity thieves to steal personal information under the appearance of offering quick assistance.
Protect yourself by:
- Closely safeguard important documents.
- Being very cautious about sharing personal information.
- Monitoring your credit reports regularly.
- Consider a credit freeze to prevent the use or opening of new accounts in your name.
- Mortgage-Related Scams - Scammers may offer homeowners assistance with negotiating or delaying mortgage payments through foreclosure relief scams.
Remember:
- Only work directly with your mortgage servicer for any payment arrangements.
- Be careful of third parties offering to negotiate on your behalf for a fee.
- 6. Digital and Cybersecurity Threats- With normal security processes in disarray, online scams often surge following disasters.
Be alert to:
- Phishing emails claiming to be from disaster relief organizations.
- Fake disaster-related websites asking for donations or personal information.
- Malicious links or attachments in disaster-related emails.
- 7. Social Media Scams- Social media platforms can be breeding grounds for fundraising related scams.
Watch out for:
- Fake fundraising campaigns or donation requests.
- Impersonation of official disaster response accounts.
- Misleading information about relief efforts or available aid.
- Unfair Business Practices- Unscrupulous businesses may take advantage of the high demand for essential items or services after a disaster.
Be aware of:
- Excessive price increases on necessities.
- Substandard products or services being sold at premium prices.
How to Protect Yourself: Recognize Red Flags
- Verify all information through official channels
- Be wary of high-pressure tactics or "limited time" offers
- Use secure payment methods (avoid cash, wire transfers, gift cards)
- Never provide personal information to unsolicited callers or emails
- Research charities before donating
- Always verify the legitimacy of any organization
- Get multiple bids and written contracts for repair work
- Check FEMA's "Rumor Control" pages for disaster-specific scam information
- Donate only to trusted, well-known charities
Before a Disaster Strikes:
- Research and save contact information for local disaster response organizations.
- Familiarize yourself with your local government's emergency management website.
- Create a personal disaster plan that includes steps to protect your identity and finances.
Recovery Resources
While it's crucial to be aware of scams, it's equally important to know where to find legitimate help:
- FEMA's official website: www.fema.gov
- American Red Cross: www.redcross.org
- Your state's emergency management agency website.
- Always verify a charity's legitimacy through its official website before accepting help or making donations.
- The Federal Trade Commission has more information about donating wisely and avoiding charity scams.
Long-term Vigilance
Remember that scams can appear long after a disaster has passed.
Stay alert for:
- "Second wave" scams targeting disaster recovery funds.
- Identity theft attempts using information gathered during the disaster.
- Investment scams related to rebuilding efforts.
- Continue monitoring your credit reports and financial accounts for unusual activity in the months following a disaster.
Where to Report Scams
If you suspect a disaster-related scam, report it to:
- National Center for Disaster Fraud: 866-720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov
- FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline: 866-720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov
- Your state's consumer protection office or attorney general's office
By staying aware, verifying information, and spreading awareness within your community, you can help reduce the risk of falling victim to these post-disaster scams.
Remember Kathleen’s story – it's essential to take your time, even when things feel chaotic, to ensure you are always making safe and informed decisions.
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