7 Tips to Avoid Fraud After Natural Disasters Scams & Fraud

Beware of Scams After a Hurricane or Other Natural Disaster

Crooks go after victims cash through fake charities and phony repair schemes

Scott Olson/Getty Images A woman looks over damage to a neighborhood caused by Hurricane Ida on August 30, 2021 in Kenner, Louisiana. Hurricanes Ian and Fiona are just the latest of many devastating natural disasters that have pummeled areas of the U.S. in recent years. Those events are scary enough on their own, but survivors of such weather emergencies face yet another threat after the storms and flooding recede: becoming the target of a scam.

Join today and save 25% off the standard annual rate. Get instant access to discounts, programs, services, and the information you need to benefit every area of your life. Criminals often capitalize on hard times by setting up bogus charities. And con artists promise help with cleanup and repair work but don’t deliver. “In 2021 alone, the U.S. experienced 20 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters,” notes Kathy Stokes, director of Fraud Prevention Programs at AARP. “Each one was a prime opportunity for criminal actors, whether it’s fake contractors, FEMA [The Federal Emergency Management Agency] impostors, or fake charities that divert needed recovery funds into their own pockets.” The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a to recent hurricane victims that “scammers may approach you to clean up debris, pose as a government official or offer to help you get aid for a fee.” The FTC’s advice: “Walk away from anyone who demands personal information or money up-front. That’s always a scam.”

More advice on avoiding post-disaster scams

1. If you choose to give a donation, choose wisely. The FTC offers guidance on how to . This advice includes being aware of criminals’ tactics, such as using names similar to legitimate charities and making “lots of vague and sentimental claims” with no specifics about how your donation will be used. 2. Be skeptical of anyone promising immediate clean-up and debris removal. Some may quote outrageous prices, demand an upfront payment, but lack the skills needed — or have no intention of following through with the work. Before you pay, ask for identification, licenses and proof of insurance. Don’t believe promises that aren’t in writing. 3. Never pay by wire transfer, gift card or cash. And never make a final payment until the work is done and you’re satisfied. 4. Guard your personal information. Only scammers will say they’re some type of government official and then demand money or your credit card, bank account number or Social Security number. 5. Don’t pay anyone to help you qualify for FEMA relief. Remember that FEMA does not charge application fees to apply for funds. If someone wants money to help you do so, it’s probably a scam.
6. If you suspect that you’ve been targeted by a disaster-related scam, report it. Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), using the 24-hour disaster fraud hotline at 866-720-5721 or through the NCDF’s .

4 Ways to Avoid a Charity Scam

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on Aug. 28, 2020, and was updated with new information regarding recent disasters. Katherine Skiba is the former scams and fraud reporter for AARP. Previously she was a reporter with the Chicago Tribune, U.S. News & World Report, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Christina Ianzito covers fraud and breaking news for aarp.org, and is the books editor for aarp.org and AARP The Magazine. can help you spot and avoid scams. Sign up for free , review our , or call our toll-free at 877-908-3360 if you or a loved one suspect you’ve been a victim.

Also of Interest

Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.