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  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 12, 2023 Permalink | Reply
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    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 April 4, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , tornadoes   

    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 8:00 am on May 5, 2022 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , tornadoes   

    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: , , , , , , tornadoes   

    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.

     
  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 13, 2021 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , tornadoes   

    How to donate safely to tornado victims 

    How to donate safely to tornado victims

    By Greg Collier

    We’re sure you’ve heard the news that over the weekend, at least 50 tornadoes touched down in eight states in the South and the Midwest. The state of Kentucky was said to have received the brunt of the storms and the most damage. While we have to yet see any reports of it yet, it’s almost guaranteed that charity scams will follow in the wake of the tornadoes’ devastation. Scammers have long used tragedies, both natural and man made, to try and take money that could be better used providing relief to the victims.

    The State of Kentucky is trying to get ahead of these scams by letting donators know that the state has set up an official relief fund website where anyone can donate money to assist the victims in Kentucky. Fundraising platform GoFundMe has also set up a portal to help guide contributors to legitimate fundraising channels to help the victims in not only Kentucky, but the other state’s as well. And you can always donate money or blood to the Red Cross.

    People looking to donate to a relief fund should be wary of phone or email solicitors that come from generic sounding entities like ‘Disaster Relief Fund’. If a charity appears to be trying to pressure you into making a donation either over the phone or online, there’s a good chance that they’re scammers.

    If you’d prefer not to donate to any of the charities listed above, you can always check the legitimacy of a charity by going to websites like Charity Navigator and Give.org that can let you know which charities are legitimate and which ones aren’t. You can also check with the IRS to see if a charity is registered with them, which goes a long way in showing the charity’s legitimacy.

    The following video is from the 2011 Joplin, Missouri, tornado disaster, but the tips remain just as relevant.

     
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