Planning Ahead: Essential Information On Hurricane Scams

The devastation of a natural disaster is made all the worse by scammers impersonating government officials, disaster relief organizations and insurance companies. With these types of scams, they may attempt contact through phone calls, text messages, emails, social media messages or even door-to-door solicitation. If you did not initiate the contact, avoid providing personal or financial information, and do not click on hyperlinks or attachments. Scammers often insist on payment immediately in the form of a wire transfer, gift card, payment app, cryptocurrency or cash. Remember, official agencies and organizations will never pressure you to provide money right away. These are indicators that the contact may be a scam. To verify they’re legitimate, visit the official website of the organization they claim to represent and call the number provided on the website. For those needing disaster relief after a hurricane, be aware that you do not need to pay a fee to qualify.

After last year’s hurricanes, those struggling to rebuild were left vulnerable to unlicensed contractors seeking to profit from their misfortune. Unlicensed contractors can place citizens at risk of poor quality work or noncompliance with building codes. Property owners can also become liable for injuries, have limited resources in the event of a broken contract and may become victims of additional scams like identity theft. Use caution when speaking to unsolicited contractors, as well as contractor employees without uniforms or advertising on their vehicles. Avoid contractors who rely on another business to secure the proper licenses. Never sign a contract with any blanks or sign a completion certificate until the work is complete. Avoid using cash or gift cards, as they are untraceable forms of payment.

In times of crisis, community members often unite to help one another, but not everyone embraces the generous spirit. Scammers use disasters, like hurricanes, as an opportunity to exploit those looking to make a difference. Don’t let your kindness go to waste; when choosing a charity to support, research and read reviews about the ones you are considering. Donate to trusted, well-known charities. If you’re unsure if a charity is legitimate, visit its website. If a charitable organization contacts you directly requesting donations, verify that the number they used to contact you matches the number on their official website. For unsolicited emails and text messages, do not open attachments or click on hyperlinks. Once you have selected a charity, try to pay using a credit card or a check. These options are safer than alternatives, such as cash, gift card, debit card or wiring money. Ensure that you are not signed up for any recurring donations. Finally, keep a record of all donations and review your statements to verify that the charity only charges the amount you donated.