Handling post-disaster scammers is never easy. And getting ready for the severe weather that’s sure to come can be a challenge. But both are even harder due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the FTC’s site, Dealing with Weather Emergencies, to start planning your response. You’ll find ideas about how to:
- Prepare for weather emergencies — by signing-up for weather alerts, organizing your finances, and developing an evacuation plan.
- Avoid disaster-related scams — by watching out for clean-up and home repair scams, imposters pretending to be government officials, and phony job and rental listings.
- Regain your financial footing — by working with your insurance company, employer, and benefit providers to understand next steps.
Share these tips with friends, family, and community organizations by getting a free one-page customizable handout at Picking Up the Pieces after a Disaster. Add your local consumer protection and emergency service contacts and post copies for people to download.
If you or anyone you know needs to report a disaster-related scam, visit Reportfraud.ftc.gov.