Protecting Yourself from Scams After Disasters

In the wake of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene and Milton, it’s natural to want to help those affected. Disasters bring out the best in people, but unfortunately, they can also bring out scammers who try to exploit the generosity and vulnerability of others during these tough times. At Coulee Bank, we want to ensure you are informed and protected. Here are a few things to watch out for after a disaster and tips to stay safe.

Donate to Trusted Organizations

In the rush to help, many people fall victim to fraudulent donation schemes. Scammers create fake charities or impersonate well-known organizations to trick you into giving them money. Before donating:
 
  • Stick to well-known organizations: Always donate through established charities like the Red Cross or verified local relief funds.
  • Verify the website URL: Scammers often create fake websites that look nearly identical to legitimate charities. Check the URL carefully, and only donate through official channels.
  • Avoid pressure to give immediately: Scammers will often pressure you to donate on the spot. Take your time to research where your money is going.
  • Use secure payment methods: Avoid wire transfers or gift cards. These payment methods are often used by fraudsters because they are hard to trace.
Fake Family Assistance Requests

Scammers may also impersonate your relatives, especially if they know you have family in an affected area. They might call, email, or message you, claiming to need emergency funds for disaster recovery.

Verify with family directly: Before sending money, always verify the request by calling the family member directly. Scammers often use urgent language to pressure you into acting without thinking.

Fake Social Media Appeals

Social media platforms are often flooded with pleas for help after a disaster. While many are genuine, some are fraudulent.
 
  • Be cautious with social media fundraisers: If you see a disaster-related appeal on social media, do some research before donating. Stick to fundraisers hosted by people you know or official relief organizations.
  • Check for verified pages: Legitimate organizations and individuals will often have verified profiles on platforms like Facebook or Instagram.
Phishing Scams

Phishing attempts often increase after a disaster. Scammers will send fake emails pretending to be from relief organizations, asking you to click on links or download attachments.
 
  • Check the sender’s email: If the email looks suspicious or comes from an unusual address, don’t click on any links.
  • Be cautious with attachments: Legitimate organizations will not send unsolicited attachments. These could contain malware designed to steal your personal information.
If your friends or family are in affected areas:

Beware of Fake Relief Workers

Scammers may pose as government officials, insurance adjusters, or relief workers to gain access to your personal information or money. They may knock on your door, call you, or send emails asking for personal details or payments to process your disaster relief funds.
 
  • Ask for identification: Legitimate relief workers will have proper identification. Do not share any personal information unless you are sure of who you are dealing with.
  • Be wary of unsolicited emails or calls: Be cautious if someone contacts you out of the blue, especially if they ask for financial information.
Watch Out for Fraudulent Repair Services

In the aftermath of a disaster, many people need urgent repairs to their homes or businesses. Scammers will often show up offering quick, cheap repairs and ask for payment upfront.
 
  • Verify contractors: Use local contractors with good reputations and ask for references. Check their credentials and read reviews before agreeing to any work.
  • Avoid paying in full upfront: A reasonable contractor will ask for a deposit, but never pay the entire amount before the work is completed.
Fake Insurance Claims and Loans/Aid

Scammers may contact you claiming to offer special loans or insurance claims processing services to help you recover from the disaster. They will often ask for upfront fees to “speed up” your claim.
 
  • Go through official channels: Work directly with your insurance company or local authorities for any claims or loans related to disaster recovery.
  • Watch out for “guaranteed” loans: No legitimate lender will guarantee approval without reviewing your financial information first.
Conclusion: Stay Vigilant and Informed

During these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to stay vigilant. As your community bank, we care about your financial well-being and safety.

Although we aren’t directly impacted by Hurricane Helene or Milton, scammers will still target our community as we offer help to others. Whether it’s donating to relief efforts or communicating with affected family members, staying cautious is key to avoiding fraud.

Remember, always take the time to research and verify before making any donations or engaging with services. Together, we can stay safe and help those truly in need.

If you suspect a scam or have concerns about any suspicious activities, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help protect you and your finances, ensuring your good intentions aren’t exploited by bad actors.