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  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 12, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , natural disasters, ,   

    Charity scammers wasted no time after TN tornadoes 

    By Greg Collier

    Over this past weekend, a series of tornadoes touched down in Tennessee that destroyed hundreds of homes and tragically took lives. According to the Better Business Bureau, reports have already come in saying scammers are posing as charities to try to make a quick buck. This is nothing new, as scammers can almost always be found trying to take advantage of a natural disaster, regardless of the heartbreak it brings.

    The most prevalent scam that emerges in the aftermath of a natural disaster involves individuals offering cleanup or repair services at discounted rates. Fraudsters typically request full upfront payment, and instead of delivering on their promises, they often perform minimal work or none at all. It’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of contractors by asking for their licenses and proof of insurance before engaging in any transactions.

    Another scam related to disasters occurs when fraudsters claim to assist in qualifying for FEMA relief assistance. Notably, FEMA does not impose any application fees. If someone purporting to be from FEMA demands money, it is highly likely to be a fraudulent scheme.

    Similar caution should be exercised with scammers posing as representatives of your insurance company. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your insurance provider, refrain from disclosing personal information. Instead, hang up and independently contact your local agent or the customer service number specified on your policy.

    Even for those residing outside disaster-stricken areas, vigilance against scams is paramount. While charitable intentions are commendable, exercise caution when donating to unfamiliar organizations purporting to support disaster relief. Legitimate charities never solicit donations through gift cards, money orders, or wire transfers. Additionally, be wary of scammers employing high-pressure tactics to coerce swift donations.

    The Better Business Bureau is also warning that charity scammers may be using names similar to real charities. The BBB gives the example of scammers using a name like Red Cross of the United States instead of the American Red Cross.

    To guarantee that your charitable donation has a meaningful impact, it’s essential to take specific steps to confirm the legitimacy of the intended charity. Resources such as Charity Navigator and Give.org offer a reliable platform to verify the authenticity of various charitable organizations. Furthermore, confirming the charity’s registration with the IRS serves as a trustworthy indicator of its legitimacy. These precautionary measures ensure that your contribution goes towards reputable organizations dedicated to making a positive difference.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 17, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , natural disasters, ,   

    Can your house be stolen out from under you after a disaster? 

    Can your house be stolen out from under you after a disaster?

    By Greg Collier

    The other day, a branch of the Federal Government issued two warnings about scams involving the Maui wildfire. Now, another federal office has issued an additional scam warning. And while the warning currently is intended for Maui residents, it can be applicable anywhere in the country.

    The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), through the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), has issued a warning about scammers who will offer mortgage rescue or mortgage assistance to homeowners affected by the Maui wildfire.

    A mortgage rescue scam is a fraudulent scheme that targets individuals who are struggling to make their mortgage payments or are facing the risk of foreclosure on their homes. Scammers prey on the vulnerability and desperation of homeowners in dire financial situations. They promise assistance in avoiding foreclosure or obtaining more favorable mortgage terms, but instead, they exploit the homeowners’ financial distress for their own gain.

    These scams can take various forms, but the most important one to look out for is property deed transferring. In some cases, scammers may pressure homeowners to sign over the deed to their property in exchange for promises of temporary relief from foreclosure or the ability to remain in the home as renters. This can result in homeowners losing ownership of their property entirely.

    Homeowners should also be wary of any mortgage relief program that asks for any fees upfront. Scammers may claim that these fees are necessary to initiate the process of refinancing, modifying the mortgage, or negotiating with lenders. Once the homeowner pays the fees, the scammers disappear without providing any actual assistance.

    To avoid falling victim to a mortgage rescue scam, homeowners should exercise caution and skepticism when approached by anyone offering assistance with their mortgage troubles. It’s crucial to verify the credentials of individuals or organizations claiming to offer such services, and to consult trusted legal or financial professionals before making any decisions.

    Legitimate assistance programs and organizations don’t demand upfront fees and provide transparent information about the services they offer. If something seems too good to be true or feels suspicious, it’s best to do thorough research and seek guidance from reputable sources.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 4, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , natural disasters, ,   

    Scams warned in wake of devastating storms 

    Scams warned in wake of devastating storms

    By Greg Collier

    A series of devastating storms recently ravaged parts of the South and the Midwest. At least 50 tornadoes touched down, leaving much destruction in their wakes. To make matters worse, another series of dangerous storms is expected later today. Sadly, the havoc left by the storms is only part of what residents of these areas will have to deal with. Whenever there is a natural disaster, scammers always follow to prey on the victims.

    The one state that appears to have been devastated most by the recent storms is Arkansas. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a warning to the residents of Arkansas that can apply to any area that’s experienced a disaster. One of the most common scams FEMA agents see is scammers impersonating FEMA itself.

    Scammers pose as representatives of FEMA and contact individuals to offer assistance with disaster relief or financial aid.

    The scammers may use various methods to reach out to potential victims, including phone calls, emails, text messages, or social media messages. They may claim that the individual has been approved for financial assistance, or that they need to provide personal information in order to receive aid.

    Once the scammers have gained the trust of the victim, they may ask for personal and financial information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account information, or credit card numbers. They may also ask the victim to send money or purchase gift cards as a way to receive aid.

    In reality, FEMA representatives will never ask for personal or financial information over the phone or email, and they will never ask for money or gift cards in exchange for disaster relief. If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from FEMA, you should contact the agency directly to verify the authenticity of the communication.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on February 15, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , natural disasters, , Syria, , Turkey,   

    When Disaster Strikes: Beware of Earthquake Charity Scams 

    When Disaster Strikes: Beware of Earthquake Charity Scams

    By Greg Collier

    As you may be aware of, devastating earthquakes struck the countries of Turkey and Syria. As with any natural disaster that garners headlines, scammers are already trying to take advantage of the world’s generosity. While the traditional charity scams are being used, new scams have appeared in the wake of the catastrophes.

    Charity scammers often resort to cold-calling or sending unsolicited messages to target unsuspecting individuals. They may adopt deceptive names that sound legitimate or even masquerade as reputable organizations such as the Red Cross. It is essential to exercise caution and refrain from responding to any unsolicited communication, as this has emerged as the primary means of operation for such fraudulent entities.

    It is advisable to steer clear of making donations to charities with ambiguous names, such as “Disaster Relief Fund”. Such names do not clearly indicate the purpose of the organization, and it may not be apparent how your donation will be utilized.

    The situation has further worsened with the emergence of social media scammers on TikTok, where users can tip content creators. Fraudulent individuals are taking advantage of this platform by posting generic videos of disaster aftermaths, and falsely claiming that the tips will go towards relief efforts.

    Similarly, Twitter has not remained immune to these fraudulent activities. Scammers are posting AI-generated images of rescue workers holding children who appear to have been affected by the disaster, and soliciting donations to a Bitcoin wallet. It is worth noting that the pictures may appear real as they are generated using AI art programs, as in the example image above.

    To ensure that your charitable contribution makes a genuine impact, there are several steps you can take to verify the legitimacy of the charity you intend to donate to. Websites like Charity Navigator and Give.org provide a platform to verify the authenticity of various charitable organizations. Additionally, you can check if the charity is registered with the IRS, as this serves as a reliable indicator of its authenticity.

    In case of unsolicited contact, it is best to refrain from divulging any personal or financial information to unknown individuals. Exercise caution when considering crowdfunding campaigns initiated by anonymous individuals, as these may also be fraudulent schemes. By remaining vigilant and verifying the legitimacy of the charity, you can ensure that your donation goes towards the cause you intend to support.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 28, 2022 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , natural disasters, , ,   

    Hurricane scams can help prevent snow damage scams 

    By Greg Collier

    A large part of the country just went through a major winter storm. Some homes may have received major damage, as snow can be deceptively heavy and destructive. When it comes to scams related to severe or extreme weather, they tend to follow a pattern. Take roofing for example. Roofs can be damaged in both hurricanes and snowstorms. A breach in a home’s roof is not something you can just let sit while waiting for the weather to improve. A homeowner may jump at the first offer of repair without realizing the potential consequences just to get their family safe and warm again.

    For example, take the two Florida roommates who had a whole in the roof of their home following Hurricane Ian earlier this year. One of the roommates received an unsolicited offer from a man who said he could fix the roof for $32,000. The man was even supposedly licensed by the state. The roommates gave the man a check for $32,000 and thought that was that. Except, the man disappeared for four days without doing any work on the roof. When the man finally reemerged, he asked the roommates for more money. The roommates called police and the man was arrested. It turned out he had allegedly stolen the license of a legitimate contractor.

    This scam may about to approach the parts of the country hit the hardest by the storm. Whether it’s your roof, plumbing, or some other part of your home that’s been damaged, be wary of any unsolicited offers to fix your home. Always get an estimate first and never pay up front. Also make sure that the contractor is licensed in your state. Many out of state scammers will be licensed in their own state but not yours while promising you that they’re licensed.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 30, 2022 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , natural disasters,   

    The hurricane hostage scam 

    The hurricane hostage scam

    By Greg Collier

    Whenever there is a hurricane or other natural disaster in the country, we typically warn our readers about the usual scams. For example, we warn our readers that if they ever experience damage to your home from a natural disaster, be wary of contractors who drive up to your home offering to make repairs. Often these contractors are unlicensed and are looking to make a quick buck with shoddy work. We also tell our readers to be wary of unsolicited calls from FEMA or insurance companies. They could be scammers looking to get your financial or personal information. Our readers from outside the disaster area also get warned to be aware of fake charities claiming to be collecting for the victims, as they could be scams as well. For the first time, we now have to warn our readers about scammers who claim to have found a family member in the storms.

    A retiree from Florida did not evacuate her home in the days leading up to Hurricane Ian making landfall. She had survived many previous hurricanes in her home, and the hurricane was predicted to miss her area. The predictions were incorrect. The retiree was on the phone with her daughter during the hurricane while showing her daughter video of the flooding taking place in the home.

    The call then went silent. The daughter, who also lives in Florida, called everyone she could think of to try to assist her mother. She called 911, the Coast Guard, and people she knew in the area her mom lived in. As a last resort, she took to social media, hoping someone could help her find her mother. She received a text from someone who claimed to have found her mother. However, the text sender said that the daughter needed to send close to $600 first to cover the cost of a hotel. The daughter knew something was suspect about the text and asked the person for her mother’s middle name. The person didn’t know it and stopped communication.

    Thankfully, some of the people in the area were able to find the retiree, who was relatively unharmed.

    If this scam sounds familiar to you, that’s because it’s the same scam that targets the owner’s of lost pets. It’s disturbing to think that there are people out there who are just waiting for someone to ask about a missing loved one in a hurricane, so they can try to scam them.

    The daughter handled the scammer about as perfectly as anyone could. She asked a question that only her mother would know. When confronted with that kind of questioning, scammers usually disappear.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 1, 2022 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: document replacement scam, , natural disasters, ,   

    A different type of disaster scam 

    A different type of disaster scam

    By Greg Collier

    This summer, the country has experienced a number of major storms. While no hurricanes have made landfall yet, these storms have done untold damage. From the floods of Kentucky and the Midwest, to Mississippi, and parts of the Northeast, many Americans have had to deal with tremendous loss after these floods.

    When these floods have struck, we have posted warnings about scams that could not only affect flood victims, but our other readers as well. You never know when a natural disaster may hit your area. The typical scams we warn about are scammers posing as FEMA agent, home insurance scams, and contractor scams. On top of those, there’s another scam that we haven’t even heard of until now. But obviously the scammers have.

    One of the Better Business Bureau branches in Louisiana is warning about what they’re calling a post-disaster document replacement scam. And if anybody should know about flood scams, it’s the Pelican State. While many of us might think the most important thing to do after a natural disaster is contact FEMA or your home insurance company. But what if you lost your everyday documents such as your driver’s license to the flood?

    The BBB is stating that in past floods this year, scammers started texting people in the flooded areas. The texts claimed to offer flood victims assistance in getting new copies of their driver’s license, Medicare or Medicaid cards, and Social Security cards. Victims would then be asked to click on a link to a phony website designed to take your personal and possibly financial information.

    As great as it would be, no government service is going to reach out to you first to offer assistance in getting new documents. In each case, you would need to notify the different departments in charge of each document, whether it’s the state or federal government.

    A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is if you’ve been the victim of a natural disaster, and people start calling you offering assistance out of the blue, be very suspicious of their offer.

     

  • Geebo 8:04 am on August 2, 2022 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , natural disasters,   

    Scammers descend on flooded areas 

    By Greg Collier

    If you follow the news, you’ve probably heard of the devastating floods that have affected parts of Appalachia, including Virginia, West Virginia, and especially Kentucky. Countless families have been displaced from their homes. Unfortunately, scammers will be using these disasters to try to fleece an already distraught victim pool. To make matters worse, the scammers will do this posing as federal agents offering assistance.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency, also known as FEMA, is warning residents of the flood-affected areas to be aware of scammers posing as FEMA agents. In one of the more popular FEMA scams, scammers will call affected victims offering assistance with an application for a FEMA disaster grant. What the scammer really wants is the victim’s personal information, including their Social Security number, so the scammer can get the grant money using the victim’s name.

    In a variation of the advance fee scam, scammers, acting as FEMA agents, will ask for a fee that they say is required for a grant application. This is false, as it’s free to apply for a FEMA disaster grant.

    In order to better protect yourself, do not give any personal information to someone claiming to be a FEMA inspector. Inspectors do not need your personal information and are not authorized to do so. Unless you’ve already filed for a disaster grant, FEMA will not call you out of the blue. As with most government agencies, you need to contact FEMA first before any progress on your application can be made. Also, no FEMA agent should ask for your application number, as legitimate agents will already have it.

    Lastly, if you receive a letter from FEMA but haven’t filed an application yet, a scammer may have tried to file for a grant in your name. If this is the case, you can call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362.

    Please keep in mind that even if you’re not currently residing in a disaster area, you could someday and these tips will apply to you as well.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on May 5, 2022 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , natural disasters, ,   

    State warns of storm scams 

    By Greg Collier

    Recently, the Wichita-area of Kansas experienced severe weather, which resulted in at least one tornado that tore through the town of Andover. The EF-3 tornado was only on the ground for 21 minutes, more than 1,000 buildings were destroyed in the 13 miles the tornado traveled. As with any natural disaster, scammers will start popping out of the woodwork looking to take advantage of storm victims. In an attempt to get ahead of the scammers, the Kansas Attorney General’s Office issued a warning to residents of the Sunflower State.

    Even though the warnings issued are relevant to Kansas residents right now, every state has its fair share of natural disasters. Whether it’s flooding, wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, or what have you, scammers will descend on that area like a plague. So what’s pertinent to Kansas today could be pertinent to your area tomorrow.

    The most common scam after disasters like this are from shady contractors. These phony contractors travel from storm to storm, looking for victims. They’ll claim to be licensed, but they may not be licensed in your state. You should only deal with contractors that are licensed in your state. Another good way to avoid this scam is to get estimates from a few contractors. Also, you should never pay in advance as that could be an indication of a scam.

    Another disaster-related scam is when scammers offer to assist you in qualifying for FEMA relief assistance. FEMA does not charge any kind of application fee. So if someone claiming to be from FEMA asks you for money, they’re more than likely a fraud.

    This can go for scammers posing as your insurance company as well. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your insurance company, don’t give them any personal information. Instead, you should hang up and either call your local agent or the customer service phone number listed on your policy.

    For those of you living outside of disaster areas, you still have to be wary of scams as well. While you may have a charitable streak, be careful of donating to any random charity claiming to be for disaster relief. Real charities will never ask you to donate through gift cards, money orders, or wire transfers. Scammers will also try to pressure you into making a donation as quickly as possible.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 15, 2021 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , natural disasters, ,   

    Tornado victims could also be victims of scams 

    Tornado victims could also be victims of scams

    By Greg Collier

    The other day, we discussed how charity scams could follow in the wake of the recent tornadoes that struck the South and Midwest. We’d be remiss if we didn’t also discuss the scams that could be targeting the tornado victims. As is almost always the case, whenever disaster strikes, scammers are sure to follow. It doesn’t matter how extensive the damage or loss of life is, scammers have no qualms about preying on those who’ve already lost everything. Once again, the State of Kentucky has issued a warning to its residents about these potential scams. While you may not currently live in a disaster area, having these tips will leave you better prepared in case you are.

    Disasters like this, and others, will always bring in the shady contractors. They usually come from out of state and approach the property unsolicited. Scammers will ask you to pay in full upfront. Legitimate contractors will have licenses that you can ask to see along with their proof of insurance. Scammers will take your money and do little if any work repairing your home. The State of Kentucky has also warned its residents to be wary of any contractor who claims to be FEMA certified or FEMA referred them to you. FEMA offers no such certification or service.

    Speaking of FEMA, another popular disaster scam is when scammers pose as FEMA but claim they need a payment in order to offer you any kind of disaster relief. This is known as the advance fee scam. FEMA impersonators may also try to steal your identity by asking for personal information.

    The same goes for phone scammers who may try to impersonate your home insurance company. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your insurance company, don’t give them any personal information. Instead, you should hang up and either call your local agent or the customer service phone number listed on your policy.

    You can find more tips on how to avoid these scams at this link.

     

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