Beware the Storm After the Storm: Scammers, Charlatans, and Fraud in Hurricane Milton's Wake
As the winds of Hurricane Milton recede, it’s crucial to stay on high alert. Scammers and opportunists are drawn to disaster zones, eager to exploit the vulnerability of affected homeowners, renters, and those wanting to help. The aftermath of Milton has revealed an even greater need for vigilance, especially as hurricane season continues.
Common Scams to Watch For:
1. Fake Contractors: With damage assessments in full swing, beware of contractors knocking on your door, offering quick repairs. Always be cautious of anyone demanding cash upfront or refusing to provide licensing and insurance details. Always verify their credentials and get everything in writing.
2. FEMA Impersonators: No one from FEMA will charge you for their services or to "help" you qualify for disaster relief. Scammers posing as FEMA officials might try to steal your money or personal information. Official FEMA resources are free—download their app or visit their website for alerts and assistance.
3. Insurance Scams: With the increase in storm damage, scammers may contact you, pretending to be insurance agents, asking for personal information to "help" you file a claim. Always reach out directly to your insurance provider using official channels.
4. Charity Scams: After disasters, fraudulent charities pop up asking for donations. Only donate to trusted organizations, and verify any charity through official sources like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) before giving money.
5. Door-to-Door Scammers: People may show up pretending to be safety inspectors or government officials, asking for money or personal information. Always ask for identification and verify their legitimacy.
6. Crowdfunding Scams: Be cautious of crowd-funded sites claiming to help victims of the hurricane. Scammers exploit the goodwill of others, setting up fake campaigns to siphon off donations. Always check the legitimacy of crowdfunding efforts.
7. Mortgage Rescue Schemes: After a storm, many may seek assistance with their mortgages. Scammers impersonating mortgage rescue companies may promise to save your home from foreclosure but will charge exorbitant fees for their “services.”
Trusted Resources:
FEMA: For disaster assistance, always go through official channels. Visit FEMA for verified resources.
https://www.fema.gov
FTC Consumer Protection: For tips on how to avoid scams and report fraud, check the FTC's page on recovery scams. Visit FTC.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov
BBB: To verify contractors and charities, visit the Better Business Bureau. Visit BBB.
https://www.bbb.org
SBA Disaster Assistance: The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profits to help them recover from disasters. Visit SBA Disaster Assistance.
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
HUD Disaster Recovery: HUD offers disaster recovery assistance for low-income households. More details can be found at HUD Disaster Recovery.
https://www.hud.gov/info/disasterresources
National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF): If you suspect fraud, report it to NCDF. Visit NCDF.
https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud
American Red Cross (ARC): Volunteer or donate through their official site to ensure contributions go to legitimate efforts. Visit Red Cross.
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services.html
IRS Disaster Assistance: For information on disaster-related tax relief, visit IRS Disaster Assistance.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations
NOAA: For updates on ongoing storm situations and preparedness tips, visit NOAA.
https://www.noaa.gov/prepare
Final Points to Remember:
1. Beware of Social Media Scams: Be cautious of suspicious charity ads on social media. Scammers often use these platforms to solicit donations or offer fake assistance. Avoid clicking on unsolicited links and verify organizations by researching them on reputable sites like Charity Navigator or the FTC’s Charity Scam page.
Visit Charity Navigator https://www.charitynavigator.org
and
FTC Charity Scams
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-charity-scams
2. Use Local Government Resources: Check your state’s emergency management agency for local recovery resources, shelter locations, and community relief efforts. Start with Ready.gov's State Emergency Contact List for your state's resources.
https://www.ready.gov/get-involved#state-local
3. Report Price Gouging: Price gouging on essentials like water, gas, and building materials can happen after a disaster. Report this illegal activity to the Department of Justice or your State Attorney General’s Office. Visit NAAG for contact information.
https://www.naag.org
4. Volunteer Through Government-Supported Programs: For those who want to help while avoiding scams, check out government-supported volunteer programs like AmeriCorps and Citizen Corps.
Visit National Service
https://www.nationalservice.gov
and Citizen Corps
https://www.ready.gov/citizen-corps
5. Monitor Ongoing Alerts: Download government-approved apps like the FEMA App or subscribe to local emergency alerts to stay informed about further warnings, road closures, or post-storm hazards. This will help you connect to legitimate updates and avoid misinformation.
As we move through hurricane season, staying cautious and using official resources is your best defense against scammers.
Keep an eye out for suspicious behavior and report any scams you encounter to the proper authorities. Together, we can build a safer community in the wake of disaster.
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