In the aftermath of a major disaster like Hurricane Helene and Milton, people come together to rebuild and recover. Unfortunately, alongside the genuine help, there are always opportunistic scammers ready to exploit the chaos for personal gain. Knowing what to look out for can help protect you and your community from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), established by the Justice Department after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, reminds the public to be cautious of hurricane-related solicitations. As natural disasters, like Hurricane Helene, often bring out the best in people eager to help, they also provide an opportunity for criminals to exploit the situation by stealing money or personal information. Here are some of common scams and fraud to watch out for, and how you can safeguard yourself.
1. Unlicensed Contractors and Repair Fraud
As residents begin to rebuild, many turn to contractors for help with repairs. Scammers often pose as legitimate contractors but lack proper licensing or qualifications. They may demand upfront payment and then disappear without completing the work or do subpar repairs.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify that the contractor is licensed and insured by checking local or state licensing boards.
- Ask for references and check reviews from previous customers.
- Never pay the full amount upfront. A reasonable down payment is typical, but reputable contractors will bill after work has been completed to your satisfaction.
- Always research contractors through your local Better Business Bureau or trusted referrals.
2. Fake Charity Solicitations
Disasters often inspire a wave of generosity, but they also give rise to fake charities. Scammers may set up fraudulent organizations that claim to be helping victims of Hurricane Helene and Milton, only to pocket the money for themselves.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Always research a charity before donating. Use resources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Charity Navigator, or GuideStar to verify that the charity is legitimate.
- Avoid giving donations in cash, gift cards, or through wire transfers, as these methods are harder to trace.
- Be wary of unsolicited emails, social media posts, or phone calls asking for donations. Always donate directly through the charity’s official website.
3. Price Gouging
After a major disaster, there is often a sharp increase in demand for essential goods like water, fuel, and building supplies. Unscrupulous businesses or individuals may take advantage by charging exorbitant prices.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Report any suspiciously high prices to your state’s Attorney General or consumer protection agency.
- Keep receipts and note down prices before and after the disaster to provide evidence of price gouging.
4. Impersonation of Government Officials
Scammers may pose as FEMA representatives, insurance adjusters, or other government officials. They’ll claim to help expedite your relief or insurance claim in exchange for personal information or payment.
How to Protect Yourself:
- FEMA and other government officials will never ask for money to process claims or offer help.
- Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent a government agency by asking for official identification and cross-referencing their contact information with official websites.
- Never share sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number, over the phone or via email.
5. Phishing Scams
Cybercriminals often send out emails or texts that look like they’re from legitimate organizations, trying to trick people into clicking on malicious links. These phishing scams can lead to identity theft or financial loss.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Do not click on links or download attachments from unsolicited emails, especially those that seem urgent or request personal information.
- Check the sender’s email address carefully for slight misspellings or odd characters.
- When in doubt, contact the organization directly using verified contact information from their official website.
- Use a robust and trustworthy scam detection tool. McAfee can block risky sites even if you accidentally click a link in a scam text. When it comes to text messages, our smart AI puts a stop to scams before you click—detecting any suspicious links and sending you an alert.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene and Milton, the most important thing you can do is stay vigilant. While the majority of people are focused on helping and healing, there will always be a small number looking to take advantage. By recognizing the signs of common scams and taking precautionary measures, you can protect yourself and your community from further harm. If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) immediately.
