Natural disasters—whether floods, fires, tornadoes, or earthquakes—leave behind destruction, heartbreak, and disruption. In these moments of profound vulnerability, communities come together to rebuild. Unfortunately, so do scammers. Bad actors often take advantage of the chaos, targeting victims with schemes designed to exploit their need for help.
Here are three common scam tactics used after disasters, along with practical tips to avoid falling victim.
1. Fake Charities
After a disaster, many of us are eager to help. Scammers know this and take advantage by setting up fraudulent charities that mimic legitimate organizations. Their goal? To siphon off donations meant for real relief efforts.
How to protect yourself:
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Verify the charity through trusted sites like CharityNavigator.org or the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
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Be cautious with unsolicited requests, especially if they pressure you to donate immediately.
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Avoid cash donations. Use checks or credit cards so there’s a record of your gift.
2. Contractor Fraud
Rebuilding after a disaster often involves hiring contractors. Scammers posing as contractors may offer fast repairs at low prices, demand large payments upfront, and then disappear—or perform shoddy work.
Protect yourself by:
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Getting multiple estimates before choosing a contractor.
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Checking for licenses and insurance that are valid in your state or locality.
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Avoiding full upfront payment. Set up a payment schedule tied to completed work stages.
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Insisting on a written contract detailing materials, work to be done, and the payment plan.
3. Government Impersonation Scams
Scammers may pretend to be officials from agencies like FEMA, reaching out to victims with promises of aid in exchange for personal information. They may request Social Security numbers or banking details, opening the door to identity theft and financial fraud.
Stay safe by:
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Being skeptical of unsolicited contact. Real government agencies don’t reach out unexpectedly to offer help.
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Never sharing personal information over the phone or by email unless you’ve initiated contact.
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Verifying identities by contacting the agency directly through official websites or phone numbers.
General Scam Prevention Tips
In addition to the tactics above, other scams often emerge during times of crisis. Stay alert with these general tips:
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Be skeptical. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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Don’t feel pressured. You don’t have to make decisions on the spot.
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Do your research. Confirm the identity and legitimacy of any person or group offering help.
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Report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local authorities.
Scammers thrive in uncertainty—but you don’t have to be a victim. By staying informed and cautious, you can help protect yourself and your community during tough times.