COMMON INSURANCE SCAMS AFTER NATURAL DISASTERS

As Jefferson County residents begin the difficult task of rebuilding in the wake of the recent flooding of the Arkansas River, it is important to be aware of common insurance scams and fraud that occur after natural disasters.

“In an effort to be proactive, I want you to know that fraudsters are out there, waiting to take advantage of vulnerable people who are overwhelmed by the recent flooding,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. “Stay alert and double check any information that is being provided to you regarding flood assistance during this time.”

Consumer Reports states that opportunists looking for ways to cash in on the misfortune of others are particularly common after natural disasters. For example, you may be hit with pleas to donate to fake charities. Those whose properties have been damaged may be further victimized by debris cleanup and home repair fraudsters.

Some common scams that consumers are now facing and advice to protect yourself are as follows:

Insurance Scams

A very common fraud after a natural disaster occurs is the assignment-of-benefits scam. It works like this: Unscrupulous contractors drive around hard-hit neighborhoods, looking for homes with major roof or structural damage. The contractors approach homeowners and tell them they can get started on repairs right away, claiming they can waive insurance deductibles and offer discounted rates. Then they ask the homeowners to sign paperwork that lets them work with their insurers.

Don’t be fooled. With this scam, the fraudsters use the signature to collect insurance payments, and in many cases they simply disappear with the money. Car damage, particularly windshield repair, is another big target for assignment-of-benefits scammers.

FEMA Scams

Agents of the Federal Emergency Management Agency will play a major role in the flood cleanup. A FEMA home inspection is the first step in getting federal aid for damages and loss from declared disaster areas.

“After every storm we have reports of fraudsters posing as FEMA inspectors,” says Deanna Frazier, FEMA media relations manager. “They visit people’s homes, ask for their Social Security numbers or bank account numbers, and sometimes even demand immediate payment for an inspection.”

Frazier emphasizes that FEMA never charges for inspections, and the only information the agency requests is a nine-digit FEMA registration code, which homeowners themselves need to request by phone or on the internet.

Call FEMA at 800-621-3362 if you are suspicious of someone who says they’re a housing inspector sent by the agency.  

Charity Scams

With images of the flooded devastation on constant rotation, it’s no surprise that many people have been inspired to donate money and supplies for flood relief, but remember that crooks are eager to step in and take advantage of genuine souls.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and its state partners have been receiving reports of elevated levels of sham charity activities following natural disasters. The FTC warns people to evaluate charities closely before giving them any support.

Among its recommendations:

• Donate to charities you know and trust with a proven track record of dealing with disasters.
• Be alert for charities that seem to have sprung up overnight in connection with current events.
• Check out the charity with the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Allianceor with Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or GuideStar.

STEPS TO TAKE

The Department of Justice has issued guidelines to help avoid scammers:

• Do not respond to any unsolicited (spam) incoming emails, including clicking links contained within those messages, because they may contain computer viruses.
• Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as members of charitable organizations or officials asking for donations via email or social networking sites.
• Beware of organizations with copycat names that are similar to but not exactly the same as those of reputable charities.
• Be cautious of emails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files because the files may contain viruses. Open attachments only from known senders.
• Check to ensure that contributions are received and used for intended purposes. Make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
• Do not be pressured into making contributions; reputable charities do not use such tactics.
• Be aware of whom you are dealing with when providing your personal and financial information. Providing such information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.
• Avoid cash donations, if possible. Pay by credit card or write a check directly to the charity. Do not make checks payable to individuals.
• Legitimate charities do not normally solicit donations via money transfer services. Most legitimate charities’ websites end in “.org” rather than “.com.”

If you think that you have been contacted by a fraudster, make sure to report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud, at 866-720-5721. The line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, emails can be sent to disaster@leo.gov and information can be faxed to 225-334-4707.

 

Sincerely,

Lafayette Woods, Jr.

Sheriff