Steer Clear of Scams After Natural Disasters

Natural disasters and extreme weather events can devastate communities and their residents. While many Americans act quickly to offer aid and assistance, criminals will act just as quickly to capitalize on the chaos and trauma to scam people.

Criminals plot to gather your personal information, access your accounts, or steal charitable donations intended for people suffering hardships because of natural disasters. They do this by impersonating government officials or insurance representatives, establishing fake charities, and spreading false information.

Protect yourself, your family and your finances following a disaster by using only trusted and reliable sources that will help, not hinder, the recovery process. Follow these tips to keep your finances safe:

• Keep your personal and account information safe and private. Personnel from government disaster assistance agencies won’t call, email or text you asking for your financial account information. Also, there is no fee required to apply for or receive any disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Visit FEMA.gov or SBA.gov to understand the types of available disaster relief assistance and how to apply.
• After natural disasters, criminals may go door-to-door posing as government officials, utility company personnel, law enforcement, insurance agents, or representatives from a disaster relief company. They will promise to provide aid quickly, as long as you give them your personal or account information. Do not do it! Closely scrutinize their agency identification and credentials and call the agency directly to confirm a worker’s identity before engaging with anyone.
• Do not rely on your caller ID to confirm callers. Criminals often spoof agency phone numbers. It is always best to find the organization's telephone number on their website and call directly to verify.
• Beware of charity scams. Before you donate to a cause or organization, you should research the charity. Consider Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, or the Better Business Bureau to conduct your due diligence. Also, do not let anyone pressure you to donate or persuade you to send money, provide personal information, or share your credit card or bank account information for any reason.
• Regarding insurance, follow the guidance from the Federal Communications Commission. If you are contacted about an insurance claim or policy, do not provide your information or agree to make a payment. First, independently verify that the call (and the caller) is legitimate. If they claim to be from your insurance company, end the call and contact your insurance company using the number on your account statement.
• Avoid home improvement or repair scams. Research contractors online and only work with those who are licensed and insured. Get multiple estimates and read all contracts carefully.
• Be wary of links in emails. If you receive suspicious emails requesting donations or other assistance, do not click on any links or open any attachments. Criminals regularly send emails to engineer phishing attacks and to spread malware on your devices.
• Sign up to learn about the latest news, alerts and scams from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

If you spot a scam, report it by:

• Contacting your local police
• Alerting your bank if your financial accounts were comprised
• Calling the toll-free FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721
• Filing a report with the FBI at www.IC3.gov