Disasters can strike anywhere/anytime, and so can scammers. Here are two types of common scams you may encounter after a disaster
- Impersonators -These individuals may pose as charities, property inspectors, IRS agents, or FEMA employees. These impersonators may contact you via phone, text, email, or show up at your door.
- FEMA property inspectors – Federal employees do not accept money and solicit. There is never a fee to apply for financial assistance or to have FEMA’s property inspectors inspect your property. If you are worried a FEMA official isn’t legit, call the FEMA helpline: 800-621-3326 7-11PM
- IRS Agents – can call 866-562-5227 for disaster-related tax assistance
- Charities – May create fake websites with names similar to well-known charities – You can also verify charities on IRS.gov
- Fraudulent contractors – You may be contacted by someone promising immediate debris removal or work- You may not recognize the company or they may claim to be a company you trust, but you have to pay up front and do not write a formal contract for the work -They may be licensed in New York but not Florida
Main takeaways
- Verify credentials of anyone claiming to be a federal employee
- Never give out your personal information – address, cc number, ss number, passwords
- Always have a written contract and verify the contractor’s license BEFORE any work is done/ ask to see proof of insurance
- When in doubt use caution and contact your local authorities
