Natural disasters and emergencies can bring out the best in people, with many individuals and organizations coming together to provide much-needed relief and support to those affected. Unfortunately, disasters can also bring out the worst in people, including scammers who use the chaos and confusion to take advantage of those looking to donate money or receive assistance. Let’s explore three of the most common disaster relief scams, how these scams work and what you can do to protect yourself and others. By staying informed and vigilant, you can help ensure that charitable efforts and resources go to those who truly need them.

Disaster Assistance Scams

Scammers may pose as representatives from government agencies or other organizations, offering disaster relief assistance in exchange for personal information or money. They may claim that they can expedite the processing of disaster aid applications in exchange for a fee. Or they may say that they need to verify the victim’s identity by collecting sensitive personal information, such as their Social Security number or date of birth.

Scammers may also claim that they have access to exclusive government programs that can provide financial assistance. They may ask for payments upfront or request bank account or credit card information in order to facilitate the transfer of funds. In reality, these programs do not exist, and the scammers will simply take the money and run.

It’s important to remember that legitimate government agencies and aid organizations will never ask for personal information or payments upfront in exchange for disaster aid. If you receive a call, email, or text message from someone claiming to represent a government agency or aid organization, be cautious and take the time to verify their identity before providing any personal information or making a payment. You can do this by contacting the agency or organization directly using the contact information listed on their official website or by contacting your local government for assistance.

Charity and Donation Scams

During a natural disaster or emergency, scammers often take advantage of people’s generosity and willingness to help those in need by carrying out charity and donation scams. These scams can take many different forms, but they all involve some kind of deception or fraud to steal money or sensitive information from well-meaning donors.

One common tactic scammers use is to create crowdfunding campaigns on social media or crowdfunding sites—such as GoFundMe, Mightycause, or Indiegogo—that claim to support disaster relief efforts. They may use names and logos that sound similar to legitimate organizations or create fake social media accounts to promote their scams. They’ll then solicit donations from unsuspecting donors, pocketing the money for themselves instead of using it to help those in need.

Scammers may also pose as representatives from legitimate charities or relief organizations and contact people directly—either by phone, email, text message or social media. They may ask for donations or personal information under the guise of helping disaster victims. In reality, they’re just trying to steal money or sensitive information from their targets.

To avoid charity and donation scams during a disaster, it’s important to do your research and only donate to reputable organizations that you know and trust. Be wary of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or social media messages, and always verify the legitimacy of any charity or organization before making a donation. You can do this by checking the organization’s website, looking for reviews or complaints online, or contacting your local government for assistance.

Post-Disaster Insurance Scams

After a natural disaster or emergency, victims are understandably stressed and overwhelmed, and scammers know this. Scammers will use this opportunity to pose as insurance agents or representatives and offer to help victims navigate the claims process and receive compensation for their losses. They may promise to expedite the process, negotiate with the insurance company on behalf of the victim, or offer to increase the amount of the settlement.

However, these scammers are not legitimate insurance agents or representatives, and their ultimate goal is to steal money or personal information from their victims. They may ask for upfront payments to cover supposed administrative fees or legal expenses, or they may request personal information—such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or credit card information—under the guise of helping victims access their insurance benefits.

Victims may not realize they have been scammed until it’s too late, and they discover that their insurance claims have not been filed or that their payments have been stolen. In some cases, the scammers may use the personal information they have obtained to commit identity theft, opening new credit card accounts, taking out loans or applying for government benefits in the victim’s name.

To avoid falling victim to post-disaster insurance scams, it’s important to be wary of unsolicited offers for insurance assistance and to verify the legitimacy of anyone offering to help with insurance claims. Legitimate insurance companies will not ask for payments upfront or demand personal information beyond what is necessary to process a claim. Victims should also be cautious of anyone who claims to be able to expedite the process or increase the settlement amount, as these are often red flags for scams. If in doubt, victims should contact their insurance company directly or seek help from a trusted legal or financial professional.

Summary

Natural disasters and emergencies are already difficult enough to deal with, without the added stress of being targeted by a scammer. These disaster relief scams can be devastating for victims, both financially and emotionally. However, by staying informed and following the tips we’ve outlined, you can protect yourself and others from these scams. Remember to research charities and relief organizations before donating, be cautious of unsolicited offers and verify the legitimacy of anyone offering assistance or services. By working together to stay vigilant and informed, we can ensure that our resources go to those who truly need them in times of crisis.