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A True Doomsday Prepper
Floods, hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, fires: natural disasters often bring an influx of con artists ready to take advantage of suffering and confusion. Watch out for these three scams:
HOME REPAIR
In the midst of a disaster, a homeowner in need of immediate repairs may neglect normal precautions and hire a dubious provider. A common fraud is when an individual posing as a contractor or repairperson says he will help you, but just take the money and run.
Things you can do:
Scammers pose as both legitimate (e.g., Red Cross) and non-existent organization workers collecting money to assist with disaster relief. They may appear at your door, call you, or send an email to solicit fake contributions in the wake of a disaster, claiming to need personal bank account information or pressuring you to give cash on the spot.
Things you can do:
Crooks pretend to be federal (e.g., FEMA) or local government employees, or insurance adjusters, who may try to obtain your personal information (Social Security number, bank account, etc.) under the ruse of opening your claim or moving it forward.
Things you can do:
Kristin Keckeisen
Fraud Watch Network
P.S. Spotted a scam? Tell us about it. Our scam-tracking map gives you information about the latest scams targeting people in your state. You’ll also find first-hand accounts from scam-spotters who are sharing their experiences so you know how to protect yourself and your family.
HOME REPAIR
In the midst of a disaster, a homeowner in need of immediate repairs may neglect normal precautions and hire a dubious provider. A common fraud is when an individual posing as a contractor or repairperson says he will help you, but just take the money and run.
Things you can do:
- No matter the urgent need, be cautious. Check references, and only deal with licensed and insured providers.
- Review the contract thoroughly; get written estimates; ask someone (friend, family, or attorney) to review the contract before signing.
- Avoid dealing with contractors that request money up front before a job is completed.
- Get receipts for all repair payments, including cash.
- Ask your insurer to survey the damage and see if they have a list of approved contractors.
Scammers pose as both legitimate (e.g., Red Cross) and non-existent organization workers collecting money to assist with disaster relief. They may appear at your door, call you, or send an email to solicit fake contributions in the wake of a disaster, claiming to need personal bank account information or pressuring you to give cash on the spot.
Things you can do:
- Be alert for charities that seem to spring up overnight. Verify that the charity is legitimate by visiting www.charitynavigator.org
- Make your check or money order out to the charitable organization, not the person collecting the donation.
- Do not give out personal or financial information including your credit card or bank account number unless you know the charity is reputable.
- Never send cash: you can’t be sure the organization will receive your donation, and you won’t have a record for tax purposes.
- Be cautious of electronic requests for charitable donations; do not respond to any unsolicited e-mails.
Crooks pretend to be federal (e.g., FEMA) or local government employees, or insurance adjusters, who may try to obtain your personal information (Social Security number, bank account, etc.) under the ruse of opening your claim or moving it forward.
Things you can do:
- Ask for identification from building inspectors or utility workers; legitimate inspectors are required to carry ID and show it to you upon request.
- Do not provide money. Government workers will never ask for payment to perform their duties or offer to increase your assistance grant for a fee.
- Local police department
- State Attorney General (www.naag.org)
- Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (http://www.fema.gov/disaster-survivor-assistance)
- Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov/complaint)
Kristin Keckeisen
Fraud Watch Network
P.S. Spotted a scam? Tell us about it. Our scam-tracking map gives you information about the latest scams targeting people in your state. You’ll also find first-hand accounts from scam-spotters who are sharing their experiences so you know how to protect yourself and your family.
