Hurricanes Milton and Helene have created fertile ground for fraudsters to exploit disaster relief seekers. Scammers are now posing as FEMA officials and targeting small businesses, seeking to gain financial information or advance payments under the guise of offering aid. Jennifer Butler, an expert at EisnerAmper, urges businesses to stay vigilant, especially when dealing with unidentified individuals post-disaster. The government emphasizes that legitimate agencies, like FEMA or the SBA, do not ask for upfront payments, so always verify identities and be cautious.
How It Works:
Fraudsters pose as government officials or offer assistance, asking for payments in advance or sensitive financial details. They exploit the chaos following natural disasters, targeting victims online or in person. Their goal? To steal either money or personal information under the guise of providing aid.
Who’s Targeted:
These scams primarily target small business owners, disaster victims, and individuals looking for relief after a major event, such as hurricanes or floods.
Real-Life Example:
In Florida, victims report scammers impersonating FEMA agents and asking for personal details, pretending to assist in relief efforts. Some victims have lost significant sums through such deception.
Why You Should Care:
With the confusion following a natural disaster, it’s easy to fall prey to someone claiming to help. Losing money to fraud during an already stressful time can further devastate businesses and individuals.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify IDs: Always ask for identification from anyone claiming to offer government assistance.
- Don’t Pay Upfront: Legitimate agencies don’t ask for upfront payments.
- Be Cautious Online: Watch out for phishing emails or suspicious messages related to relief efforts.
- Cross-Check Information: Contact the relevant organization directly to verify if someone is genuinely from that agency.
- Guard Personal Info: Never share sensitive financial or personal details without verifying the authenticity of the person or agency.
Quick Tips:
- Did you know? FEMA never asks for payment before providing assistance.
- Pro Tip: Always contact disaster relief agencies directly via official websites or phone numbers.
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Key Terms:
- FEMA: The Federal Emergency Management Agency, a government body that provides disaster relief.
- Phishing: Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information by disguising as a trustworthy entity.
- Upfront Payment: A red flag indicating a scam, where money is requested before any service is rendered.
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