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Preparing For Extreme Weather? Don't Forget Fraud Awareness

Following Hurricane Ian in 2022, Whitney Christy was desperate to get a roof back over her family in Naples, Fla., before the next hurricane hit. So when a man claiming to be a roofing contractor said he could squeeze them in, Christy jumped at the chance to reserve the spot with a $13,000 deposit. Unfortunately, the family would lose $30,000 before realizing it was a scam.1 

Contractor fraud is one of the most common scams related to natural disasters, with an estimated $9.3 billion lost to post-disaster fraud in 2023, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.2

Whether it's a hurricane, flood, wildfire, or tornado, it's sad but true that natural disasters attract scams — from fraudulent online fundraisers and phishing emails to government and contractor impersonators. Here's what everyone living in a disaster-prone area should know about extreme weather-related fraud and how to protect themselves ahead of a disaster. 


Contractor Scams

After a devastating weather event, many families find themselves in the same situation as the Christys: frantically in search of home repairs before the damage gets worse. That's why contractor scams — where a scammer pretends to be a home contractor and accepts a deposit for repairs before disappearing — are so common after natural disasters. And because not all contractors have official-looking websites or storefronts, it can be hard to know who to trust. 

The Federal Trade Commission says a potential contractor could be a fraud if they:3

  • Claim they don’t need to be licensed.
  • Offer a discount to sign a contract immediately.
  • Ask a homeowner to sign over their insurance check.
  • Ask for the full cost upfront.
  • Request payment by wire transfer, gift card, payment app, cryptocurrency, or cash.
  • Suggest borrowing from a lender they know.

Additionally, these tips can help homeowners in need of urgent home repairs find a reputable contractor:

  • Verify insurance coverage and repair processes ahead of a weather event.
  • Vet potential contractors through local sources like a home builder's association and online reviews.
  • Get three estimates — even for urgent repairs.
  • Ask for a contract and read it carefully.

A great way to avoid contractor fraud is to not need it in the first place. Follow the steps in our article, How to Prepare Your Home for a Natural Disaster.


FEMA or Utility Imposter Fraud

People need help after natural disasters, and that help often comes from the federal government or local utilities. Scammers use this situation to pose as utility workers or agents of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). A fraudulent utility worker may go door-to-door saying they have to repair or replace equipment and ask for money before they can proceed.4 A FEMA imposter may ask to inspect a home, offer application assistance, or route aid, and ask for money or sensitive information — like bank account info — in the process.5

To avoid falling for these scams:

  • Never give money to anyone who comes to your door. Neither utility workers nor government officials will ever collect money. No federal agency will charge disaster victims to do an inspection, apply for aid, or receive aid.
  • Don't give anyone your FEMA registration number. If you have one, anyone who is truly with FEMA has access to it.
  • Never share bank information with anyone who comes to your door. 

If you think you've been a victim of fraud, follow the steps in our article, What to Do if You Are a Victim of Fraud.


Post-Disaster Phishing and Smishing

Plenty of fraudulent activity following weather events happens online as well. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warns residents in disaster-prone areas to be especially cautious with emails, text and social media messages related to recent severe weather.6

Bag of money icon
An estimated $9.3 billion was lost to post-disaster fraud in 2023, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Scammers take advantage of disaster victims' need for information following storms by sending malicious emails (phishing) or texts (smishing). These messages may contain links or attachments that lead to dangerous software or forms requesting sensitive information. The FBI received nearly 300,000 reports of phishing in 2023, with $18.7 million in related losses, making it the most reported crime of the year — by far.7

Learn how to identify a phishing message in our article 5 Tips For Spotting a Phishing Email.


Charity and Fundraiser Fraud

In the aftermath of the 2024 hurricanes Helene and Milton, many people online — even far outside the disaster area — saw heart-wrenching images of children and dogs in peril.8 One particularly popular image was of a little girl holding a puppy — only it wasn't real.9 AI-generated images are making the rounds online to lure donations to fake charities, preying on people's desire to help victims. 

Other scammers have set up bogus crowdfunding websites, like GoFundMe fundraisers for the same reason.10

The North Carolina Attorney General offered these tips to citizens following Hurricane Helene to avoid these cyber scams:11

  • Before donating to a charity, check its rating with Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or GuideStar.12,13,14,15
  • Research the organizer of any crowdfunding fundraiser. If you can't verify that they are a real person with a legitimate need, do not give. 
  • Make donations by credit card or check. Credit card is the most secure way to pay, but no legitimate charity will ask for donations via gift card. 
  • Take your time. Scammers often use a sense of urgency to fool victims into giving money before doing their research.

Synovus offers additional tips for avoiding charity scams.


What To Do If You Experience Disaster-Related Fraud

If you believe you've been a victim of disaster-related fraud, FEMA recommends emailing the following steps:5

There's a lot to do ahead of severe weather. In addition to preparing to stay physically safe, preparing to protect your family from fraud can help expedite your road to recovery. Before extreme weather arrives, check out these articles to prepare in additional ways:

Important disclosure information

Asset allocation and diversifications do not ensure against loss. This content is general in nature and does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, financial or investment advice. You are encouraged to consult with competent legal, tax, accounting, financial or investment professionals based on your specific circumstances. We do not make any warranties as to accuracy or completeness of this information, do not endorse any third-party companies, products, or services described here, and take no liability for your use of this information.

  1. "Naples family scammed $30K in hurricane repair fraud," WINK News, published March 7, 2025. Accessed April 14, 2025. Back
  2. Catherine Riedel, Nicholas Zeitlinger, "Contractor Fraud Costs Americans Billions Every Year," published May 16, 2024. Accessed April 14, 2025. Back
  3. Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice, "How To Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters," Federal Trade Commission, published December 2023. Accessed April 14, 2025. Back
  4. BCP Staff, "Four ways to avoid scams after a weather-related disaster," Federal Trade Commission, published February 7, 2025. Accessed April 14, 2025. Back
  5. Federal Emergency Management Agency, "Disaster Fraud," published March 20, 2025. Accessed April 14, 2025. Back
  6. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, "CISA Warns of Hurricane-Related Scams," September 25, 2024. Accessed April 14, 2025. Back
  7. Internet Crime Complaint Center, "Internet Crime Report 2023," Federal Bureau of Investigation, published May 2024. Accessed April 14, 2025. Back
  8. Noah Cowell, "AI photos created of hurricane victims in disaster relief scam,"WAAF 48 News, published October 9, 2024. Accessed April 14, 2025. Back
  9. Nur Ibrahim, "Photo Shows Crying Girl and Puppy After Hurricane Helene?" Snopes, published October 4, 2024. Accessed April 14, 2025. Back
  10. Holly Johnson, "Watch Out: These Post-Hurricane Scammers Can Steal Your Money or Identity," CNET, published October 9, 2024. Accessed April 14, 2025. Back
  11. Attorney General Jeff Jackson, "Consumer Alert: In the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Watch Out for Charity Scammers," published October 4, 2024. Accessed April 14, 2025. Back
  12. Give.org, "BB Standards for Charity Accountability," accessed April 14, 2025. Back
  13. CharityNavigator.org, accessed April 7, 2025. Back
  14. CharityWatch.org, accessed April 7, 2025. Back
  15. GuideStar.org, accessed April 7, 2025. Back