Scammers are everywhere, unfortunately, and they’re always looking to take advantage of vulnerable people.
According to The Property Advocates, many scammers spring into action whenever there is a disaster, hoping to take advantage of people who are hard on their luck and are desperate for help. That’s why when a disaster such as Hurricane Ian strikes, Floridians need to be on high alert for scammers trying to catch them off guard.
Here are some of the most common scams to look out for during disasters and how you can avoid falling victim to one.
Fake Disaster Aid
Many Florida homeowners were affected by Hurricane Ian, which made landfall in the state in late September. Many of these homeowners are scrambling to rebuild their lives after unexpected inland damage caused tremendous financial suffering that will be hard to rebound from.
There are both state and federal programs and agencies that step in to help people during this time of need, and it’s something that scammers will attempt to piggyback on.
These scammers might claim they are from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration, or other state and local aid offices. Then, they’ll tell you they can provide disaster assistance or help you fill out applications for assistance for a fee.
Know that legitimate federal and state agencies don’t charge for disaster assistance applications, nor do they ever solicit homeowners in any way.
Charity Scams
Another common scam during disasters is people claiming to be collecting money for various charities. They’ll call, email, or even text people to solicit donations they claim will help those who have been affected by a recent disaster. They may make up the name of a charity or claim they are from a well-known charity such as the Red Cross.
It can be hard to tell if these calls, emails, and texts are legitimate. So, a good way to avoid being scammed is to never provide any information at all when you’re being solicited. Simply tell the person who reached out to you that you will consider donating at a later date and give them no further information.
Then, if you want to donate to a charity helping with disaster relief, make sure to visit its official website. You can donate directly to many charities or at least find their official phone number to call for more information.
Construction Insurance Fraud
Scammers posing as legitimate construction company owners also may try to take advantage of people in times of need. The Property Advocates explains that scammers may say they’re construction workers and that they can quickly fix the damage your home sustained if you sign over any insurance claim to them.
Once you give them the money, you’ll never hear from them again. It can be challenging to track them down, and you may never see your money again.
The best way to avoid this scam is to only deal with legitimate contractors you can trust. If a contractor solicits you out of nowhere, don’t make any decision on the spot. Check them out online to see if they are legitimate and see if they have received any positive online reviews.
It’s also best to get multiple bids for construction jobs at your home, as only legitimate companies are likely to show up.
About The Property Advocates
The Property Advocates, P.A. is a full-service Florida insurance law firm specializing in property insurance claims. With offices in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, The Property Advocates team consists of nearly 25 experienced attorneys with decades of combined experience who are compassionate, knowledgeable, and not afraid to go to trial for their clients. They have a successful track record of resolving complicated property insurance claims and getting their clients the fair compensation they deserve.
