Hurricanes are disastrous events; however, a lot of people take advantage of the situation to perpetrate their scams. They reach out pretending to but they are there to exploit you. Here are common hurricane scams in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and how to avoid them:
FEMA Scam
This is the first thing to avoid, it is common seeing people impersonate FEMA to gain access to the personal information of victims and their money.
How to Avoid Them
Always keep in mind that government officials dealing with disasters will not call or text to request information about your financial account. Also, you do not need to pay any fee when applying for disaster assistance from FEMA or SBA. Any official asking for money is a fraud and an imposter.
Furthermore, do not fall victim to phone scams, most of these imposters hide their caller ID to disguise. Whenever you receive a call from someone claiming to be a government official hang up and head to the official website.
Check the number on the official website of the government agency. If you have anyone knocking on your door claiming to be an agent. Do not disclose any personal information unless verified. Lastly, verified or not, they don’t accept or request money
Fake Charities
This is also common; both victims and non-victim are targeted in this scam. After a hurricane disaster, there will be websites presenting themselves as charities helping people.
How to Avoid This Scam
Whenever an organization contacts you don’t keep mute about it. The first thing you should do is reach out to the organizer asking for detailed information. However, in situations where the organization does not seem to have quantifiable credibility then stay clear of it.
Another way to avoid this cash is not paying in cash. While it’s not advisable to give out financial details like your credit card number using a credit card ensures is not stolen or lost.
Crowdfunding
This is one the easiest scam to perpetrate, anyone can register an account on crowdfunding websites to ask for money. Later the whole money ends up with the organizers.
If you are always using this website for donations ensure you research well. Check information about them online to verify their identity. Once, you find it hard to get information about the organizer it is advisable you don’t send money. In crowdfunding, you should know the person and ensure they are trustworthy.
Fake Repair Imposters
Some contractors will go around the neighborhood after the storm incident to provide service for homeowners. The first thing they do is a request for initial payment before commencing the repair work. They might possibly start the work and stop halfway. Either way, the workers will end up conning you without working for your money.
In some cases, they might impersonate your utility company telling you to pay unless they will cut off your service. You can fully avoid by moving to senior living where you don’t need to bother with house maintenance.
How to Avoid Repair Scams
Do not disclose your policy numbers, coverage information, and other personal information to companies you normally don’t work with.
In addition, perform background checks and verify the license of any contractor reaching out to work for you. Most importantly, don’t make payment upfront without complete verification.
