The door knock
Scam contractors appear within hours of a storm. Warning signs: they demand cash up front, refuse to provide a written contract, claim to have leftover materials from a nearby job, pressure you to decide immediately, and cannot provide a state license number or proof of insurance.
Legitimate contractors carry state licenses, liability insurance, and provide written estimates. Never pay more than one-third up front. Verify the license with your state contractor board before signing anything.
Nobody from FEMA asks for money
After a federally declared disaster, scammers impersonate FEMA representatives, Red Cross workers, and charity collectors. FEMA never charges fees for disaster assistance. Red Cross never sells services.
Donate only to established organizations. Verify charities at give.org or charitynavigator.org. Be skeptical of GoFundMe campaigns from unknown individuals.
Disaster paperwork creates opportunity
Disasters require sharing personal information (insurance claims, FEMA applications, temporary housing). This creates opportunity for identity theft. Share sensitive information only through official channels. Shred documents that contain SSN, account numbers, or personal data. Monitor credit reports for 12 months after a disaster.
- Never pay a contractor more than one-third up front
- Require written contract, state license number, and proof of insurance
- FEMA never charges fees. Red Cross never sells services
- Verify charities at give.org or charitynavigator.org
- Monitor credit reports for 12 months after sharing personal information
- Financial Preparedness — FEMA guidance on avoiding post-disaster fraud.