Stay Alert: How to Spot and Avoid Disaster-Related Scams

In the aftermath of recent flooding, recovery efforts are well underway—and unfortunately, so are attempts by scammers to take advantage of vulnerable residents. Whether it’s fake contractors, bogus FEMA calls, or phishing emails that appear to offer help, disaster-related fraud is a real concern.

To help protect yourself and your neighbors, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has published a helpful guide: After the Storms: Watch Out for Scams (fcc.gov)

This quick resource outlines common red flags to look for, including:

• Unsolicited phone calls or messages claiming to be from government agencies.

• Requests for immediate payment or personal information.

• Pressure to act fast or lose a supposed benefit or service.

• Offers that sound too good to be true.

If something feels off, it’s okay to pause, ask questions, and verify the information. Only work with licensed local contractors, and never give out sensitive information to unfamiliar callers or websites.

Stay informed. Stay safe. And help spread the word to protect our community.

For more recovery information and resources, visit the Flood Recovery Resources page.