Avoiding Scams After Disaster Strikes

In the wake of hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters, the urgency of recovery can often cloud judgment, providing a prime opportunity for cybercriminals and scammers to exploit vulnerable individuals and communities. At CNE, we urge everyone to remain vigilant for fraudulent activity that often follows these events. From phishing emails to fraudulent charity appeals, scammers use various tactics to steal information, money, or both.

Common Post-Disaster Scams

Fraudulent emails and social media messages frequently surface after disasters, preying on fear and confusion. These scams often contain malicious links or attachments, pretending to offer recovery assistance, relief updates, or donation requests.

Watch out for these common types of fraud:

• Emails with Disaster-Related Subject Lines: Be skeptical of unsolicited emails about hurricane relief, recovery efforts, or disaster updates. These often contain malware through links or attachments.
• Fake Charity Appeals: Scammers create fake charities to solicit donations after disasters. While many people are eager to help, donating to an illegitimate charity means your money won’t reach those in need and could result in your personal and financial information being stolen.
• Social Media and Text Scams: Scammers may pose as victims or charity organizations on social media or send texts requesting urgent donations for disaster relief.
• Door-to-Door Solicitations: Be cautious of individuals soliciting donations in person. Fraudsters may impersonate legitimate organizations to collect donations or steal personal information.

How to Stay Safe

To protect yourself from these scams, exercise caution and follow these tips:

• Rely on Trusted Sources: Only seek information and guidance from official sources such as local authorities, FEMA, and Ready.gov. Scammers often use logos or names of reputable organizations to deceive you. Always verify their legitimacy.
• Verify Charities: Before donating, use tools like the Federal Trade Commission’s charity database or sites like Charity Navigator to ensure a charity is legitimate. The FTC emphasizes researching the charity’s name with keywords like “scam” or “complaint” before making any contributions.
• Be Wary of Payment Methods: Scammers often ask for payment via methods that are difficult to trace, such as wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate charities will not insist on these forms of payment. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends using a credit card, as it often offers greater protection against fraud.
• Avoid Unsolicited Communications: If you receive unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages asking for donations or personal information, be skeptical. Never click on links or download attachments from unfamiliar sources, even if they seem legitimate at first glance.

Important Resources to Protect Yourself from Fraud

At CNE, we encourage everyone to review the following resources to stay informed and protect themselves from disaster-related scams:

• Federal Trade Commission’s Staying Alert to Disaster-Related Scams: This resource provides detailed guidance on recognizing and avoiding common disaster-related scams, including fake charities and government imposters.
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s How Do I Avoid Scams and Fraud After a Disaster?: Learn how to protect your financial well-being by recognizing different types of fraud, including home repair scams and insurance fraud, that often follow in the wake of disasters.
• FEMA’s Disaster Fraud Guidance: FEMA offers tips on how to protect yourself and report fraud, including identity theft and fake aid distribution programs, during disaster recovery efforts.
• CISA’s Phishing Guidance: Stopping the Attack Cycle at Phase One: This guide helps organizations and individuals reduce the risk of phishing attacks, which often spike after a disaster, by recognizing early warning signs and stopping scammers before they cause harm.

How to Report Scams

If you encounter suspicious activity or believe you’ve been a victim of fraud, report it immediately to the appropriate authorities. Here are key contacts:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report charity scams and other types of fraud to the FTC Complaint Assistant.
• National Center for Disaster Fraud: Call 1-866-720-5721 to report disaster-related scams.
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): Submit reports of cybercrime to IC3.gov.

Final Thoughts

Disasters often bring out the best in people, but they also create opportunities for criminals to exploit those who are suffering. By staying informed and exercising caution, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from these scams. Always rely on trusted sources for information, verify charities before donating, and stay vigilant against phishing emails and other malicious communications.

At CNE, we are committed to keeping you informed and protected. For more tips and cybersecurity resources, visit the CNE website or consult trusted authorities like FEMA, the Federal Trade Commission, and CISA. Check out our services!