In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, communities are beginning the long and difficult task of recovery. Sadly, just as the waters recede, the damage is assessed and homes and lives are rebuilt, another wave of disaster is hitting the victims: post-hurricane scams. These fraudulent criminals exploit the chaos and desperation following natural disasters, preying on people who are trying to rebuild their lives. Similar scams have been witnessed after hurricanes like Katrina, Harvey, and Ida, and now we see them again with Helene.
Common Post-Hurricane Scams and Crimes
1. Fake Charity Scams
After major disasters, fraudulent charities often emerge, posing as organizations that will provide aid to victims. With Hurricane Helene, authorities are already reporting an uptick in these scams, where fraudsters use names resembling well-known charities to solicit donations.
- Recent Example: Following Hurricane Helene, several fake fundraising efforts have appeared online and through unsolicited phone calls. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued warnings to verify the legitimacy of any charity before donating(Justice)(Consumer Advice).
- How to Protect Yourself: Use trusted sites like Charity Navigator or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance to ensure that your donation reaches the right hands. Avoid giving through phone solicitations or social media posts without verification.
2. Contractor and Repair Fraud
As homes and businesses start to rebuild, scammers posing as contractors take advantage of vulnerable victims, offering quick fixes or debris removal services. With Hurricane Helene’s extensive damage, many unlicensed contractors have already appeared in affected areas.
- News Story: After Helene, numerous reports of contractor scams have already emerged, with victims paying for repairs that were never completed(Justice)(SC Consumer). These scams were rampant after past hurricanes as well, including after Hurricane Ida.
- How to Protect Yourself: Always verify contractors by checking their licenses, asking for proof of insurance, and avoiding large upfront payments. Never feel pressured to sign a contract immediately—get multiple estimates and references first.
3. Government and FEMA Impersonators
Scammers often pose as government officials or FEMA representatives, offering to help victims apply for disaster relief in exchange for personal information or fees. Following Helene, some residents have already reported receiving fake calls from individuals pretending to be from FEMA, asking for personal details such as Social Security numbers(SC Consumer)(Consumer Advice).
- How to Protect Yourself: FEMA will never ask for payment to provide assistance. If you’re unsure whether the person contacting you is legitimate, call FEMA directly or use the FEMA Mobile App to access official updates(Justice).
4. Price Gouging
Price gouging, where businesses drastically inflate prices on essential items like fuel, water, and building supplies, has also been reported after Hurricane Helene. This unethical practice takes advantage of people in urgent need during the recovery period.
- Recent Incident: Several residents in Georgia and South Carolina, two states heavily impacted by Helene, have reported paying excessive prices for basic items such as bottled water and gas(SC Consumer).
- How to Protect Yourself: Keep receipts and report any incidents of price gouging to your state’s Attorney General’s Office. In most states, price gouging is illegal during emergencies.
5. Phishing and Cyber Scams
Disaster victims are also targeted through phishing emails and social media scams. These messages often claim to offer disaster relief but instead are designed to steal personal information.
- Recent Example: Scammers have started sending emails impersonating FEMA or other relief organizations, asking victims to click on malicious links or provide sensitive data(Justice)(SC Consumer).
- How to Protect Yourself: Be wary of unsolicited emails, especially those asking for donations or personal details. Always verify the legitimacy of any message by contacting the organization directly through its official website or hotline.
How to Protect Yourself Against Post-Hurricane Scams
Verify Before Donating:
After Hurricane Helene, take extra precautions before making any donations. Research the charity through trusted sites like Charity Navigator or BBB Wise Giving Alliance. Avoid giving out donations through unsolicited phone calls or social media campaigns.
Research Contractors Thoroughly:
If you need repairs or cleanup, don’t rush into an agreement. Ask for identification, check licenses, and verify their references. Legitimate contractors will provide a written contract, proof of insurance, and won’t ask for large upfront payments. Avoid anyone making unsolicited offers at your door.
Be Cautious with Personal Information:
Scammers will attempt to collect sensitive information under the guise of government aid or relief services. FEMA will never ask for your Social Security number or payment for its services. Be skeptical of unsolicited calls or emails requesting personal information.
Monitor Financial Accounts:
After a disaster, closely monitor your bank statements and credit reports for unusual activity. Set up transaction alerts with your bank to catch fraudulent charges as soon as they happen.
Report Suspicious Activity:
If you encounter a scam or believe you’ve been targeted by fraud, report it immediately. Key reporting resources include:
- FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline: 1-866-720-5721
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): www.ftc.gov
FAQs on Post-Hurricane Scams
Q1: How can I verify if a charity is legitimate after a hurricane?
A: Use websites like Charity Navigator or BBB Wise Giving Alliance to confirm the charity’s legitimacy. Never donate based on unsolicited emails or calls, and always verify the organization’s contact information directly through official sources.
Q2: What steps should I take if I suspect a contractor scam?
A: Avoid contractors who demand large upfront payments or refuse to provide written contracts. Verify their credentials through your local Better Business Bureau or consumer protection office, and report any suspicious behavior to local authorities.
Q3: How do I report price gouging in my area?
A: Document the inflated prices with receipts and report it to your state’s Attorney General’s Office. Most states have laws prohibiting price gouging during declared emergencies.
Q4: What are the signs of a phishing scam related to disaster relief?
A: Phishing scams often ask for personal information, such as bank account or Social Security numbers, or direct you to click on unfamiliar links. Be cautious of unsolicited emails and verify all disaster relief communications through official channels.
Conclusion
As the Southeast begins to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, it’s essential to stay vigilant against the growing number of post-hurricane scams. Scammers exploit the chaos of disaster recovery, using tactics that range from fake charity solicitations to fraudulent contractors and phishing attacks. By staying informed, verifying all claims, and reporting any suspicious activity, we can work together to prevent fraud and protect ourselves and our communities.
For more information or to report fraud, you can contact:
- FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline: 1-866-720-5721
- Better Business Bureau: www.bbb.org
- National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF): www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud(Justice)(SC Consumer)(Consumer Advice)
Let’s not allow these scams to compound the hardships of disaster recovery. Stay informed and protect your loved ones from those looking to profit from tragedy.
