In the wake of a natural disaster, the chaos and confusion can make victims vulnerable to scams. Opportunistic fraudsters often pose as legitimate aid workers, preying on those in dire need. Understanding the tricks they use can be your first line of defense against becoming a victim. Let’s explore six crucial tips that will help you recognize these deceitful tactics and protect yourself and your loved ones.
Spotting Fake FEMA Inspectors
After a disaster hits, emotions run high and people just want help to arrive. Scammers know this, and that’s when they show up at your door—or inbox—dressed like authority. A common trick? Posing as FEMA inspectors.
Here’s how to tell if someone’s the real deal:
Official ID is a must. Genuine FEMA inspectors carry a laminated photo ID with their full name. No badge? No business.
Uniforms aren’t proof. Scammers sometimes wear vests, hats, or shirts with FEMA logos. Don’t be fooled by gear alone.
Don’t hand over personal info on the spot. Real inspectors never ask for bank account details or Social Security numbers during their visit.
Check before you trust. If you’re unsure, ask to see their ID and call FEMA directly at their official number (not a number the visitor provides) to confirm their identity.
Scammers count on chaos to slip through the cracks. Taking a minute to check credentials can stop them cold. If someone pressures you or gets aggressive when you ask to verify—red flag. Trust your gut, and always double-check.
Recognizing Fraudulent Communications
Scammers don’t take a day off, especially during disasters. When chaos strikes, so do fake calls and emails pretending to be from FEMA or other aid groups. Spotting these cons is step one to keeping your information safe.
Common Signs of Fraudulent Messages
You might get a call or email claiming you’re eligible for emergency funds or asking you to “confirm your identity.” Here’s how to spot a red flag:
Unsolicited Contact: If you didn’t reach out first, be suspicious of anyone contacting you out of the blue about disaster aid.
Requests for Sensitive Info: Genuine agencies like FEMA never ask for your Social Security number, banking details, or passwords over the phone or by email.
Pressure Tactics: Scammers often pressure you to act fast—don’t fall for it. Real organizations won’t threaten or rush you.
Suspicious Email Addresses or Phone Numbers: Always check the sender’s details. Scammers often use addresses or numbers that look almost, but not quite, official.
Verifying Authentic Communications
Don’t take messages at face value. Here’s what you should do:
Contact Agencies Directly: Always use official numbers and websites—never the contact info provided in a suspicious message.
Double-Check URLs: Official sites will use .gov or well-known domains. Watch out for misspellings or odd domain names.
Ask for Identification: If someone claims to be from FEMA or another agency, ask for their name and badge number, then verify by calling the agency directly.
Protecting Yourself with Simple Tools
Scams can slip through even for the careful. Cloaked helps by providing virtual phone numbers and email addresses, making it harder for scammers to get your real information. Using Cloaked’s features, you can share contact details with less risk, and if something feels off, you can cut off that contact without exposing your real info.
Quick Checklist: What to Remember
Never share your Social Security number or bank details over the phone or via email.
If you’re unsure, hang up or delete the message.
Always reach out to organizations through their official channels.
Use privacy tools like Cloaked to add another layer of protection between you and would-be scammers.
Staying alert and using the right tools can keep your personal information out of the wrong hands. Always pause and double-check before sharing anything sensitive.
Beware of Bogus Charities
Disasters bring out the best—and sometimes the worst—in people. When tragedy strikes, scammers are quick to set up fake charities, hoping to profit from genuine goodwill. Falling for these scams doesn’t just waste your donation; it diverts help from those who need it most.
How Fake Charities Operate
Scammers often launch bogus fundraising campaigns within hours of a disaster hitting the news. They mimic real organizations, create convincing websites, and flood social media with urgent appeals. The emotional pull can be strong, especially when headlines are fresh and people are desperate to help.
Spotting Red Flags
You don’t need to be a detective, but a little skepticism goes a long way. Watch for these warning signs:
High-pressure tactics: If someone urges you to “donate immediately,” pause. Real charities won’t rush you.
Vague or generic names: Fake charities often use names that sound similar to well-known organizations.
No details on how funds are used: Reputable groups are transparent about their mission and finances.
Requests for cash, wire transfers, or gift cards: These payment methods are hard to trace and often used by scammers.
Unsolicited contacts: Be wary if you receive unexpected emails, texts, or calls asking for donations.
How to Verify Before You Give
Don’t let urgency cloud your judgment. Always do a quick check:
Use trusted resources: The BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance (give.org), Charity Navigator, and GuideStar can help you check a charity’s credentials.
Search the charity’s exact name: Look for reviews or complaints online.
Check for IRS 501(c)(3) status: U.S.-based charities should be registered and easy to verify.
Safe Ways to Donate
Protect your money—and your personal information—with these tips:
Donate by credit card or check: These methods are trackable and offer some protection if something goes wrong.
Avoid cash or wire transfers: These are nearly impossible to recover if you’re scammed.
Don’t share sensitive info: Legitimate charities don’t need your Social Security number or full bank account details.
If you’re concerned about privacy when giving, tools like Cloaked can help you keep your personal details out of scammers’ hands. Cloaked lets you use masked emails and phone numbers, so you can support causes you care about without exposing your real information.
Staying alert protects not just your wallet, but the people truly in need.
Protecting Your Identity
When disaster strikes, chaos often opens the door for identity thieves. Scammers know that people are vulnerable, distracted, and desperate for help. This is when they swoop in, trying to trick you into sharing personal details or clicking on sketchy links.
Why Identity Theft Spikes After Disasters
Scammers feed off confusion. With so many people seeking aid, it’s easy for fraudsters to pose as relief agencies, charities, or government officials. They might:
Call or text, pretending to “verify your eligibility” for assistance.
Set up fake websites asking for your Social Security number, bank info, or other personal details.
Send emails that look official but are designed to steal your identity.
Never share personal information—like your date of birth, Social Security number, or bank details—with anyone who contacts you out of the blue. Real disaster relief workers and agencies don’t cold call or email asking for sensitive data.
Spotting Red Flags
Stay sharp. If something feels off, it probably is. Watch for:
Requests for payment or donations via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Pressure to “act now” or threats that you’ll miss out on help if you don’t comply.
Unfamiliar email addresses, misspelled domains, or websites with odd-looking URLs.
Messages with urgent spelling or grammatical errors.
Secure Your Personal Information
You don’t have to fend off scammers alone. Simple steps can keep your data out of the wrong hands:
Shred physical documents with personal details before throwing them away.
Services like Cloaked can add another layer of protection. Cloaked lets you create secure, temporary emails, phone numbers, and passwords. If a scammer tries to phish you, your real information stays hidden. Even if you must give out contact details, Cloaked shields your identity so you’re not exposed if a site or contact turns out to be fraudulent.
Identity protection isn’t just about being careful—it’s about being prepared. After a disaster, vigilance is your best defense.
Verifying Contractor Legitimacy
After a disaster, contractors often show up quickly, promising to fix homes, roofs, and more. Unfortunately, scammers see opportunity in chaos. They might offer quick repairs, demand upfront payments, and then disappear—or do a shoddy job for an inflated price. If you’re already dealing with damage, the last thing you need is to get burned by a fake contractor.
Red Flags to Watch For
Unsolicited Offers: If someone shows up at your door or calls out of the blue, be skeptical. Scammers prey on urgency and vulnerability after disasters.
Pressure Tactics: Scammers often push you to make snap decisions or pay cash up front.
No Physical Address: Legitimate contractors will have a permanent business location and working phone number.
No Proof of License or Insurance: Always ask for documentation and verify it with your state or local licensing board.
How to Check Contractor Legitimacy
1. Verify Licenses and Credentials
Use your state’s official licensing website to confirm the contractor’s license is valid and active.
Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB): Look up reviews, complaints, and ratings. A clean record speaks volumes.
2. Read Reviews and Ask for References
Search for recent reviews online—Google, Yelp, and BBB are good starting points.
Ask the contractor for references from recent local jobs. Call those references directly.
3. Demand a Written Contract
The contract should clearly outline the work, materials, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty.
Avoid contractors who refuse to provide a written agreement or offer vague terms.
4. Never Pay Everything Upfront
A small deposit is normal, but don’t pay the full amount until the job is done to your satisfaction.
Pay by check or credit card for a paper trail—never cash.
Staying Safe with Your Personal Information
Scammers may also ask for sensitive personal information under the guise of “processing paperwork.” Only share what’s absolutely necessary. Tools like Cloaked can help you generate secure, temporary emails and phone numbers when contacting new contractors, keeping your real details private and protecting you from future scams.
Quick Checklist Before Signing
Confirm license and insurance.
Check BBB and online reviews.
Get everything in writing.
Never rush payments.
Use privacy tools for communication.
When your home’s on the line, a little diligence goes a long way. Don’t let urgency cloud your judgment—verify before you trust.
Reporting Suspected Scams
Spotting a scam is only half the battle—reporting it is where you can really make a difference. Quick action can stop fraudsters in their tracks and protect others who may be at risk. Here’s how to handle it if you suspect a disaster relief scam:
Why Reporting Matters
Prevents More Victims: Reporting suspicious activity helps warn others and can trigger investigations that stop scammers from preying on more people.
Aids Recovery: Authorities might be able to freeze fraudulent transactions or recover stolen funds if alerted early.
Helps Authorities Build Cases: Each report adds to the evidence, making it easier for law enforcement to take action.
Where to Report Disaster Scams
Use these resources for reporting:
FEMA Fraud Hotline: If you suspect someone is impersonating FEMA or misusing disaster relief programs, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or email [email protected].
Local Law Enforcement: File a report with your city or county police. They may coordinate with federal agencies for broader investigations.
State Attorney General: Most states have online portals or hotlines for reporting disaster-related scams. Check your state’s official website.
FTC Complaint Assistant: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also tracks and investigates disaster relief scams. Visit reportfraud.ftc.gov to submit details.
What Details to Include
When you report, try to provide:
Names, phone numbers, email addresses, or websites used by the suspected scammer.
A description of what happened and any communications you received.
Screenshots, emails, or texts, if you have them.
Timing Is Critical
The sooner you file a report, the better your chances of stopping further harm and possibly getting back any lost funds. Scammers move fast, so don’t wait.
Using Tools Like Cloaked
Sometimes, protecting your own information can help you spot scams before they escalate. Cloaked’s privacy features can mask your real contact details, making it harder for scammers to get what they want. Using services like Cloaked can add a layer of safety when interacting with unfamiliar sources, especially after a disaster.
Taking a moment to report what you see could mean saving someone else from a financial mess. Don’t underestimate the impact of your vigilance—every report counts.
Cloaked FAQs Accordion
Frequently Asked Questions
Ensure the inspector shows a laminated photo ID with their full name. Remember that uniforms or vests with FEMA logos alone are not proof of legitimacy. If you’re in doubt, ask to see the ID and call FEMA directly using an official number rather than one provided by the visitor.
Red flags in communications include unsolicited contact, requests for sensitive information such as Social Security numbers or bank details, and pressure to act quickly. Additionally, emails or phone numbers that are slightly off or do not use official domains should be treated with caution.
Bogus charities often use high-pressure tactics urging immediate donations, have vague or generic names similar to reputable organizations, and lack clear details on how donated funds will be used. They may also ask for payments via cash, wire transfers, or gift cards rather than traceable methods like credit cards or checks.
Protect your identity by never sharing sensitive personal information on unsolicited calls or emails. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Additionally, consider utilizing privacy tools like Cloaked, which provide temporary emails and phone numbers to shield your real information during interactions.
Before hiring a contractor, verify that they have a legitimate business address and contact details, valid licenses, and insurance. Check reviews online and through the Better Business Bureau, ask for references, and insist on a written contract that outlines the work, payment schedule, and warranty. Avoid paying the full amount upfront.
At Cloaked, we believe the best way to protect your personal information is to keep it private before it ever gets out. That’s why we help you remove your data from people-search sites that expose your home address, phone number, SSN, and other personal details. And to keep your info private going forward, Cloaked lets you create unique, secure emails and phone numbers with one click - so you sign up for new experiences without giving away your real info. With Cloaked, your privacy isn’t a setting - it’s the default. Take back control of your personal data with thousands of Cloaked users.
*Disclaimer: You agree not to use any aspect of the Cloaked Services for FCRA purposes.
