Seeing the devastation caused by a hurricane evokes our sympathy and a desire to help the affected people. When you give, you expect your contribution to make a difference. However, there are scammers out there waiting to take advantage of your emotions. Here are some of the hurricane relief scams you should be aware of before you try to help, and what you can do to avoid getting scammed.
Seeking Monetary Donations
Scammers could target you with unsolicited emails, phone calls, or a knock at your doorstep, posing as representatives of reputable charities. Hurricane relief scams are also rampant online, where it is more difficult to verify the identity.
The scammers often come up with legitimate-looking websites or blogs, and may sometimes use similar sounding names as real charities or even copy the logo of a well-known relief organization. They will typically seek money transfers online through the website or in cash if they seek donations in person.
Home Repair Fraud
Following hurricane devastation, scammers may show up offering help with your home repair jobs and tree removal.
The office of the attorney general advises people to engage only such firms that are old and established and whose references are verifiable. Do not pay any money upfront just because they promise they will be back to do the repairs.
Work only with licensed general contractors, plumbers, electricians, and HVAC repair firms. Ask to see a proof of insurance, and insist on making a written contract.
Insurance and Business Fraud
In the aftermath of a hurricane disaster, scammers may sometimes pose as representatives of home insurance companies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Association (SBA), or law enforcement agencies.
Remember that these agencies will never ask for your financial information on phone or email. Services offered by the SBA and FEMA are free, so if someone posing as a representative asks for a payment, it is a scam.
Tips to Avoid Paying Money to a Scammer
- Avoid replying to unsolicited emails seeking donations for hurricane relief. Do not click on any link the mail contains, nor open any attachment.
- Do not pay any money over the phone unless you initiated the call to a legitimate charity.
- Legitimate charity websites mostly have a suffix .org and not .com.
- Be wary of crowdfunding websites that do not have an established or transparent system to vet the assistance seekers.
- Even if someone solicits a hurricane relief donation using the actual names and photographs of the victims, do not fall into an emotional trap and do your due diligence. According to the Better Business Bureau, scammers could use the victims’ data without permission from their families.
- If you are suspicious, perform a Google search and social media search about a donation seeker. Their online and social presence and consumer reviews and comments could help you judge better.
- Check out a charity ratings website, such as GuideStar.org, CharityNavigator.org, and Give.org for donation advice, news updates and ratings of recognized charities.
- Give responsibly and follow the charitable giving rules of the IRS.
Reporting a Hurricane Relief Scam
You may report a hurricane relief scam or fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at FTC.gov/complaint. You could also share information about the scam with your state charity regulator, which you can find at Nasconet.org.
Have you encountered any hurricane relief scams? Share your experience in the comments below!