Scam Artists Stay Busy During Hurricane Season

Storm Weary Residents Fall Victim to Phishing, Fraud, and ID Theft

Aug 18, 2009 Mary King

Scammers expect to make easy cash after a hurricane strikes. Residents who are forced to wait months for storm cleanup often make bad choices, risking savings & ID theft.

The National Weather Service urges everyone to stay alert for hurricane and tropical weather advisories; but for some residents, the damage continues for weeks or even months after the winds and rain have died down. As local law authorities and even officials from the weather channel warn, scammers hit the computer, phones, and streets once a storm has passed, hoping to take advantage of vulnerable storm-weary residents.

Hurricane Victims Alerted to Scam Offers for Cleanup and/or Repair

Consumers may not only lose hard-earned savings, but may also lose their identity. Hurricane scammers hit the streets, offering to remove downed trees, repair fences, and restore homes. These con artists show up at the resident's door. They call on the phone, and many hit the Internet as power is restored to a damaged area. When a scammer appears at the door, he or she:

May be well-dressed and present a business card.
Claims to be a representative of a well-known company. The company supposedly is sending workers into the area to help with cleanup and repair.
May be wearing a (phony) uniform that looks authentic.
Usually has a (phony) contract for the resident to sign.
Asks for an advance payment, payable by cash or credit card number.
May claim that neighbors in the area are using his (or her) services to give the client reassurance.
May pose as an independent contractor for whatever repair work is obviously needed.
May pose as a mold inspector, citing extensive mold and mildew damage that can result in serious health problems if not fixed by a professional immediately (mold remediation). Learn how safely manage mold and mildew after a storm that may have caused rain or flood damage to a home's interior. Most molds can be removed with simple household chemicals (bleach and laundry soap).

Telephone and Internet scam artists:

Often pose as FEMA representatives needing information.
May pose as an insurance investigator needing more information from the client (victim) to complete the paperwork.
Often pose as home contractors, vehicle windshield repairmen, tree service persons, fence repairmen, to name a few disguises.
May claim association with a disaster relief agency such as the Red Cross, National Guard, or Salvation Army.

Home Repair Services Make Perfect Setups for Scam Artists after a Hurricane Strikes.

Slow disaster relief is partially to blame for the storm-related fraudulent activity. Insurance companies can take weeks or even months to respond and assess storm damage. Too often, homeowners are forced to go to court, battling for months with companies that don't want to pay, or don't pay enough for repair work or replacement of property.

Government assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is usually just as slow, and the red tape from applying for a low-interest loan is endless – often not worth the hassle – for residents who are desperate to have their homes made livable again.

How Can Hurricane Victims Avoid Being Scammed?

Make certain any repair services are contracted by qualified service persons licensed with legitimate companies. Don't take someone's word for it; check the company or organization through the town's local Better Business Bureau (BBB) by phone, in person, or online. Additionally:

Don't fall for scare tactics, such as the con artist that says the roof is about to fall in if it doesn't get fixed right away.
Be cautioned against contractors that offer huge discounts for work.
Don't accept verbal agreements; get everything in writing.
Don't accept quick estimates for work or sign a contract.

The Federal Trade Commission offers even more tips for home loan scams, debris removal scams, and how homeowners can protect themselves after a hurricane or storm disaster.

Price-gouging for gas, food, and basic necessities, used to be a big problem for residents after a hurricane disaster. Today, the dangers are much worse. Most con artists are pros at what they do and sound very authentic on the phone, online, and in person.

The bottom line is people pay for services they never receive. Desperate to get help and get their lives back to normal, victims sign bad contracts, give out bank account numbers or credit card numbers, and give social security information. Be alert to scam activities, including online phishing and other suspicious emails. Report any evidence of fraudulent activity to local authorities.

The copyright of the article Scam Artists Stay Busy During Hurricane Season in Home Management is owned by Mary King. Permission to republish Scam Artists Stay Busy During Hurricane Season in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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