After the Storm: Your Guide to Avoiding Disaster-Related Scams

At RadiFi, we encourage our members to remain vigilant against scams and fraud year-round, but it’s especially crucial to be cautious after a hurricane or natural disaster. In the aftermath of such events, scammers often target vulnerable individuals, exploiting the chaos and uncertainty that can arise.

According to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), various types of disaster-related scams have been reported, including:

• Impersonation of federal law enforcement officials
• Identity theft
• Fraudulent claims submitted to insurance companies or the federal government
• Bogus solicitations for charitable donations
• Fraudulent investment opportunities
• Price gouging
• Contractor fraud

Scammers may reach out via phone, text, mail, email, or even door-to-door visits, targeting residents in affected areas.

Common Scams to Watch For:

Home Repair Scams
Following a hurricane, unlicensed contractors may approach homeowners, claiming that their property is unsafe or in need of urgent repairs. Some tactics include:

• • Demanding upfront payments for repairs and failing to complete the work.
  • Impersonating property inspectors or contractors, sometimes causing damage themselves to secure jobs.
  • Offering “too good to be true” deals to lure homeowners.

Donation Scams

Scammers often impersonate legitimate charitable organizations, preying on goodwill during times of crisis. Watch for:

• • • Requests for donations via wire transfer or cash.
    • Unsolicited calls from unfamiliar organizations, especially those with names similar to trusted charities.
    • High-pressure tactics or reluctance to provide a callback number. 

Impersonation of Government Representatives
Con artists may pose as officials from agencies like FEMA, asking for personal information that can be used for identity theft. Be wary of:

• • • • Requests for sensitive information over the phone or through unsolicited emails.
      • Calls claiming you are eligible for aid or grants that require immediate action. 

Known Scams Targeting the American Red Cross
Reports have surfaced of scams involving the Red Cross, such as:

• • • • • Calls offering grants that do not exist.
        • Emails claiming that a family member volunteering abroad has encountered legal trouble.
        • Fraudulent emails from domains that mimic the Red Cross’s official communications.

Tips to Protect Yourself:

For Donation Scams:

• • Donate only to well-known, trusted organizations.
  • Verify the legitimacy of a charity before donating by checking their website (look for .org rather than .com).
  • Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or messages. 

For Home Repair Scams:

• • • Research contractors thoroughly. Look for local businesses with physical addresses and verifiable licenses.
    • Avoid paying in cash or wiring money upfront; always request a written estimate 

For Government Impersonation:

• • • • Contact FEMA or your local government office directly using verified contact information, rather than responding to unsolicited requests.

Reporting Fraud:

If you encounter fraud or scams, report them immediately:

FEMA Fraud Investigations and Inspections Division
Email: StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov
Address:
FEMA Fraud Investigations and Inspections Division
400 C Street SW
Suite 7SW-1009
Mail Stop 3005
Washington, D.C. 20472-3005

U.S. Department of Justice, National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF)
Phone: 866-720-5721
Complaint Form: NCDF Complaint Form
Mail:
National Center for Disaster Fraud
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909

Stay safe and protect yourself by remaining aware of potential scams. If something feels off, trust your instincts and investigate further. Your safety and well-being are our top priority.