It’s unfortunate that there are people who prey on the weak and injured, yet in our society, they exist. Individuals who take advantage of people who have been involved in a disaster often portray themselves as government representatives with important information to make the situation better or threaten you with scare tactics. They seek personal information so they can further victimize you. They believe that you are more vulnerable when you’ve just gone through a disaster. They are right; you are more vulnerable.
When a disaster happens, life can feel confused and rushed. You may be trying to find shelter, clean up damage, replace lost items, or help a family member. That is exactly when scammers try to move in. They count on stress. They count on fear. They count on the fact that people often want to act fast and get help right away. A scammer may sound calm and helpful. They may use official words and claim they are there to fix the problem. But their goal is not to help you. Their goal is to get your money or your personal information.
You can avoid their scams though by being aware of what the tactics they use. Emergency home repair scams are one way they will try to cheat you. They may offer you a “one time only” deal and then pressure you to act on it or lose the opportunity. Or they may require you to pay for everything prior to having any work done…then never show up to do the work. They may not be licensed to do the work you need done, or try to get you to sign a contract that is vague and difficult to understand.
One good rule is to slow down, even when someone else is trying to rush you. A real contractor should be willing to answer your questions. They should be able to give you a clear price, a clear plan, and a clear timeline. If a person says you must sign now, that is a warning sign. If they say the price is only good for a few minutes, that is also a warning sign. And if they want cash up front with no written details, be careful.
You can avoid the above difficulties by using local, licensed professionals, and by looking at their credentials and asking for references. Read any contract carefully prior to signing it.
If possible, get more than one estimate. That gives you a chance to compare price, work, and promises. Ask for the company name, phone number, license information, and proof of insurance. If the person is honest, they should not mind you checking. Ask friends, neighbors, or trusted service providers if they know the contractor. If you cannot read a contract well, ask someone you trust to read it with you. Do not let anyone hurry you through it.
They may say they are with FEMA and ask for payment for inspecting your property or say they endorse a contractor. FEMA officials do not accept money or endorse specific contractors. They never charge for inspecting your property.
This kind of scam can be especially hard because it uses trust. People know FEMA as a real agency, so a scammer may try to borrow that trust. A person may wear a badge, use official-sounding language, or say they need your Social Security number, bank account, or other private details. A real emergency worker should not pressure you to pay to inspect your home. If someone claims to be with FEMA and asks for money, stop and verify before you share anything. Do not give out private information just because someone sounds official.
Beware if you’re looking to buy a car online too. Flood damaged cars are shipped to other areas, so you won’t think they’ve been affected. Check the VIN and look at the vehicle’s history. Signs of water damage to a vehicle include having a musty or perfumy smell, a discolored interior, mold, or water stains to the floor carpeting, seats, or in the trunk.
Buying a car is a big decision even when there has not been a disaster. That is why it helps to take your time. If you can, look at the car in daylight. Open the doors. Check under the mats. Look in the trunk. Smell the inside. Flood damage is not always easy to spot at first glance, but problems often show up in the small details. A seller may clean and dry a car well enough to hide some signs, but hidden damage can lead to expensive repairs later. If something feels off, trust that feeling and keep looking.
Scammers will also try to get your money by asking for donations to help others injured by disaster. Be sure to research any charity before donating and then only to well-known charities. Disaster causes enough grief without letting scammers make it worse. Be aware, be informed.
Charity scams can be painful because they use kindness against people. After a fire, flood, storm, or other disaster, many of us want to help right away. That is a good thing. But it is smart to pause before giving. Ask where the money will go. Ask how it will be used. If a person pressures you to give right now, be careful. If they avoid your questions, that is another warning sign. A real charity should be able to explain its work in a clear way.
It also helps to watch for common signs of fraud in any disaster situation:
- Someone rushes you to make a decision.
- Someone asks for money before any work is done.
- Someone refuses to show identification or license information.
- Someone will not put details in writing.
- Someone asks for personal or bank information without a clear reason.
- Someone uses fear, threats, or pressure instead of facts.
If you are unsure, stop and ask for time to think. A good helper will respect that. You can also talk with a family member, friend, or trusted advocate before you agree to anything. Having another person look at a contract, a website, or a donation request can help you spot something that does not seem right. If you need help finding disability-related resources or understanding your options after a crisis, Disability Network Lakeshore can help. Our services are free, and you can call (616) 396-5326.
Disaster causes enough grief without letting scammers make it worse. Be aware, be informed.