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Beware the Storm After the Storm: Scammers, Charlatans, and Fraud in Hurricane Milton's Wake

Beware the Storm After the Storm: Scammers, Charlatans, and Fraud in Hurricane Milton's Wake

Beware the Storm After the Storm: Scammers, Charlatans, and Fraud in Hurricane Milton's Wake


As the winds of Hurricane Milton recede, it’s crucial to stay on high alert. Scammers and opportunists are drawn to disaster zones, eager to exploit the vulnerability of affected homeowners, renters, and those wanting to help. The aftermath of Milton has revealed an even greater need for vigilance, especially as hurricane season continues.


Common Scams to Watch For:


1. Fake Contractors: With damage assessments in full swing, beware of contractors knocking on your door, offering quick repairs. Always be cautious of anyone demanding cash upfront or refusing to provide licensing and insurance details. Always verify their credentials and get everything in writing.



2. FEMA Impersonators: No one from FEMA will charge you for their services or to "help" you qualify for disaster relief. Scammers posing as FEMA officials might try to steal your money or personal information. Official FEMA resources are free—download their app or visit their website for alerts and assistance.



3. Insurance Scams: With the increase in storm damage, scammers may contact you, pretending to be insurance agents, asking for personal information to "help" you file a claim. Always reach out directly to your insurance provider using official channels.



4. Charity Scams: After disasters, fraudulent charities pop up asking for donations. Only donate to trusted organizations, and verify any charity through official sources like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) before giving money.



5. Door-to-Door Scammers: People may show up pretending to be safety inspectors or government officials, asking for money or personal information. Always ask for identification and verify their legitimacy.



6. Crowdfunding Scams: Be cautious of crowd-funded sites claiming to help victims of the hurricane. Scammers exploit the goodwill of others, setting up fake campaigns to siphon off donations. Always check the legitimacy of crowdfunding efforts.



7. Mortgage Rescue Schemes: After a storm, many may seek assistance with their mortgages. Scammers impersonating mortgage rescue companies may promise to save your home from foreclosure but will charge exorbitant fees for their “services.”




Trusted Resources:


FEMA: For disaster assistance, always go through official channels. Visit FEMA for verified resources.

https://www.fema.gov


FTC Consumer Protection: For tips on how to avoid scams and report fraud, check the FTC's page on recovery scams. Visit FTC.

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov


BBB: To verify contractors and charities, visit the Better Business Bureau. Visit BBB.

https://www.bbb.org


SBA Disaster Assistance: The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profits to help them recover from disasters. Visit SBA Disaster Assistance.

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance


HUD Disaster Recovery: HUD offers disaster recovery assistance for low-income households. More details can be found at HUD Disaster Recovery.

https://www.hud.gov/info/disasterresources


National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF): If you suspect fraud, report it to NCDF. Visit NCDF.

https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud


American Red Cross (ARC): Volunteer or donate through their official site to ensure contributions go to legitimate efforts. Visit Red Cross.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services.html


IRS Disaster Assistance: For information on disaster-related tax relief, visit IRS Disaster Assistance.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations


NOAA: For updates on ongoing storm situations and preparedness tips, visit NOAA.

https://www.noaa.gov/prepare


Final Points to Remember:


1. Beware of Social Media Scams: Be cautious of suspicious charity ads on social media. Scammers often use these platforms to solicit donations or offer fake assistance. Avoid clicking on unsolicited links and verify organizations by researching them on reputable sites like Charity Navigator or the FTC’s Charity Scam page. 

Visit Charity Navigator https://www.charitynavigator.org 

and 

FTC Charity Scams 

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-charity-scams



2. Use Local Government Resources: Check your state’s emergency management agency for local recovery resources, shelter locations, and community relief efforts. Start with Ready.gov's State Emergency Contact List for your state's resources.

https://www.ready.gov/get-involved#state-local


3. Report Price Gouging: Price gouging on essentials like water, gas, and building materials can happen after a disaster. Report this illegal activity to the Department of Justice or your State Attorney General’s Office. Visit NAAG for contact information.

https://www.naag.org


4. Volunteer Through Government-Supported Programs: For those who want to help while avoiding scams, check out government-supported volunteer programs like AmeriCorps and Citizen Corps. 

Visit National Service 

https://www.nationalservice.gov

and Citizen Corps

https://www.ready.gov/citizen-corps


5. Monitor Ongoing Alerts: Download government-approved apps like the FEMA App or subscribe to local emergency alerts to stay informed about further warnings, road closures, or post-storm hazards. This will help you connect to legitimate updates and avoid misinformation.


As we move through hurricane season, staying cautious and using official resources is your best defense against scammers.

 Keep an eye out for suspicious behavior and report any scams you encounter to the proper authorities. Together, we can build a safer community in the wake of disaster.


Here are some official government resources and sites specifically for Florida residents to help during hurricane season, particularly after hurricanes like Milton and Helene:


Florida-Specific Government Resources


1. Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)


The Florida Division of Emergency Management oversees disaster response and recovery efforts. Their website provides information on disaster preparedness, recovery resources, and how to report scams.

Visit FDEM
https://www.floridadisaster.org


2. Florida Department of Health (DOH)

The DOH offers guidance on health-related issues after a disaster, including safe water, food safety, and mental health resources.

Visit DOH
http://www.floridahealth.gov


3. Florida Office of Insurance Regulation

This site provides valuable information regarding insurance claims and rights after a disaster, as well as tips on avoiding insurance scams.

Visit Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
https://www.floir.com


4. MyFlorida.com

MyFlorida.com is the state's official website and provides a wide range of resources, including links to local emergency management offices and recovery resources.

Visit MyFlorida
http://www.myflorida.com


5. Florida 211

This service connects residents with local resources and services, including assistance for disaster relief, mental health services, and housing. You can call or visit their website for help.

Visit Florida 211
https://www.211.org


6. Local County Emergency Management Offices

Each Florida county has its own emergency management office that can provide local resources, recovery information, and updates specific to your area. Check your county's website for tailored information.

Find Your County Office
https://www.floridadisaster.org/counties


7. Disaster Distress Helpline

This helpline provides crisis counseling to individuals experiencing emotional distress related to natural disasters. It's a free resource available 24/7.

Call 1-800-985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746.

Visit Disaster Distress Helpline
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline



Additional Resources for Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery


Ready.gov (FEMA's Website)

Offers tips on preparing for hurricanes and information on recovery resources.

Visit Ready.gov
https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

National Hurricane Center (NHC)

Provides up-to-date information on hurricane forecasts and safety tips.

Visit NHC
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov


By utilizing these resources, Florida residents can stay informed and protected during hurricane season while also avoiding scams and fraudulent activities. Stay safe, and make sure to share this information with others who might need it!


The Salvation Army is another great resource for hurricane recovery efforts!


They often provide disaster relief services like food, maybe help with resources for shelter, and financial assistance to those affected by storms like Hurricane Milton. Here's more information on what they offer:

Salvation Army Disaster Relief

1. Emergency Disaster Services (EDS)

The Salvation Army’s EDS provides immediate assistance during and after disasters, including meals, shelter, emotional support, and spiritual care.

They work closely with federal, state, and local authorities, ensuring a coordinated response.

Visit the Salvation Army EDS
https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/help-disaster-survivors


2. Monetary and In-Kind Donations

You can donate to their disaster relief fund, knowing that funds will go directly toward helping affected communities.

They also accept in-kind donations (clothing, food, supplies) at certain local centers.

Donate to the Salvation Army
https://give.salvationarmyusa.org


3. Mobile Feeding Units & Shelters

The Salvation Army deploys mobile feeding units that deliver hot meals and water to storm-affected areas. They also offer temporary shelters for those displaced by the storm.



4. Case Management

For long-term recovery, they offer case management services to help individuals rebuild, find housing, and access financial support.



5. Local Florida Salvation Army Units

You can contact your local Salvation Army unit for specific information about the assistance being provided in your area. Each location may offer tailored services based on community needs.

Find Your Local Salvation Army
https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/plugins/gdosCenterSearch


The Salvation Army is a trusted organization with a long history of providing meaningful assistance during disasters. Just be sure you're donating or working with official Salvation Army outlets to avoid the charity scams we discussed earlier.


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