Protect Yourself from Hurricane Season Scams
As hurricanes wreak havoc, scammers take advantage of vulnerable individuals seeking assistance. Here are some essential tips to avoid falling victim to a scam during hurricane season.
Understanding the Situation
Hurricanes result in power outages, displacement, and a great need for support among affected communities.
Beware of Scammers
Scammers target both hurricane victims and those willing to help, posing as officials, contractors, or charities.
Identifying Scams
Common hurricane-related scams and tactics:
Scammers impersonate government agencies, insurance companies, and charities to deceive individuals through emails, calls, and social media.
Be cautious of phishing emails, fake websites, and malicious links disguised as disaster relief efforts.
Preventative Measures
- If contacted by a government agency or insurer, verify their identity through official channels before sharing personal information.
- Always confirm contractor licenses and insurance coverage before engaging services.
- Donate only to reputable charities and verify their legitimacy on recognized platforms.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments in emails or texts requesting donations.
- Use secure payment methods for donations and steer clear of cash or wire transfers.
Reporting Scams
If you encounter a scam, report it to relevant authorities like the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline, FCC, or FTC.
Platforms like GoFundMe also monitor fundraisers post-disaster to prevent fraudulent activities.
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