Stay Safe from Scams After a Natural Disaster
After a natural disaster, you're probably focused on recovery efforts, including repairing your home, replacing belongings, and returning things to as close to normal as possible. Unfortunately, this is also when scammers may be likely to strike. From fake contractors to phony FEMA agents, bad actors may try to take advantage of vulnerable people in times of crisis.
Staying alert and knowing what to look for may help safeguard your money and your identity, and lower stress. Here’s how to spot and hopefully avoid common post-disaster scams—and what to do if you think you’ve been targeted.
Common Scams That Pop Up After a Disaster
Here are potential scams that you should know about.
Fake Contractors and Home Repair Scams
These scammers may show up at your door, call, or leave flyers claiming they could help fix your roof, remove debris, or rebuild fast. They might demand payment up front and disappear without doing the work, or do a poor job and vanish.
Some red flags include:
- Has no license, insurance, or local address
- Requests full payment upfront
- Uses high-pressure sales tactics or "limited time" offers
- Offers to handle insurance claims on your behalf without you contacting your insurer
Always be wary of anyone who tells you an offer goes away if you don't accept it immediately.
FEMA or Government Impersonators
Some scammers pose as FEMA or other government workers to trick you into giving them money or personal information.
Some red flags include:
- Asking for your Social Security number, banking info, or money to “process” your claim
- Showing up unannounced without proper identification
- Charging you for disaster aid applications (FEMA does not charge a fee)
Real FEMA representatives carry official photo ID. Ask to see it. If you’re unsure, call FEMA directly at 1-800-621-3362 to verify.
Charity Scams
After a disaster, fake charities may pop up asking for donations to help victims. Some use names that sound like real organizations to fool well-meaning donors.
Red flags include:
- Vague descriptions of where the money is going
- Requests for cash, gift cards, or wire transfers
- Using high-pressure tactics to donate immediately
If you want to help, stick with trusted charities you’ve worked with before or check organizations on websites like Charity Navigator or Give.org.
Insurance Scams
Some scammers pretend to be insurance agents or adjusters and offer to help you file your claim for a fee. Others may tell you your coverage has lapsed and try to sell you new policies on the spot.
Red flags include:
- Asking for personal or banking information over the phone
- Offer to “speed up” your claim for a price
- Not being listed with your insurer or your state’s insurance department
Always contact your insurance company directly using their official number, not a telephone number that a stranger gives you.
Rental and Housing Scams
If you’ve been displaced, be cautious when looking for short-term rentals or hotel deals. Scammers post fake listings online and collect deposits for places that don’t exist.
Red flags include:
- Asking for payment before you’ve seen the property
- Only accepting payment via wire transfer or apps like Zelle or Venmo
- Refusing to talk on the phone or in person
How to Safeguard Yourself
While you may not be able to avoid encountering scammers, you may avoid falling victim to their schemes. Here are a few tips.
Verify Before You Pay
Get written estimates, contracts, and contact information from anyone you're working with. Check contractors’ licenses and insurance through your local government or your state’s licensing board. You may also Google the company name with words like “scam” or “review" to see what others are saying. Trust your gut, and if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Pay the Smart Way
Do not pay in full up front. Reputable contractors usually ask for a small deposit and payment as work is completed. Use checks or credit cards—not cash or gift cards. And keep all receipts and documentation.
Safeguard Your Personal Info
Don’t give out your Social Security number, insurance policy number, or banking information to people who contact you unexpectedly. Use secure websites and trusted sources when applying for disaster aid or insurance help.
Be Skeptical About Unsolicited Help
If someone shows up at your door or contacts you offering help, take a pause. Don’t rush into anything, even if they sound convincing, and even if you need the help. Always contact agencies or companies directly using verified contact information before agreeing to anything.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you think someone is trying to scam you, or has already, report it. There are a number of different federal agencies that go after these scammers and try to stop them from victimizing others.
For FEMA fraud, call 1-866-720-5721 or email disaster@leo.gov. You may also report scammers to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. And most state Attorney General offices have a consumer protection division that may accept scam reports. Even if you've already fallen victim to a scam, reporting what happened may help others in your community.
If You’ve Already Been Scammed - Take Action Fast
Few scammers stick around long once they've gotten payment or accessed your sensitive personal information. If you suspect you've been scammed, contact your bank or credit card company to see if there is a way to stop or reverse the payment. The sooner you call, the better. You may want to freeze your credit to prevent further fraud.
You may also report any instances of identity theft at identitytheft.gov to keep things from escalating. And be sure to document everything. Keep records of names, phone numbers, emails, payments, and any correspondence between you and the scammers.
Final Thoughts - Stay Alert, Stay Safe
It’s natural to want to rebuild quickly after a disaster, but rushing into decisions may make you vulnerable. Don't let your emotions get the better of you. Take your time, verify who you're working with, and do not feel pressured into making a decision immediately.
Scammers take advantage of heightened emotions during tough times and are very skilled at sounding legitimate. Even the savviest people may sometimes be vulnerable. An appropriate way to manage your recovery is to stay informed and cautious.
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