Scammers May Target Hoosiers After Devastating Storms

As communities across Indiana begin recovering from destructive flooding, tornado activity and other severe weather, state officials are warning Hoosiers about another threat that often follows a disaster: scammers.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security says scammers frequently target communities recovering from tornadoes, floods and other disasters, taking advantage of the confusion and urgency that can come with cleanup and repairs.

They may show up at your door, call you on the phone, or reach out online while posing as contractors, government officials, or charitable organizations.

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Watch for These Common Post-Storm Scams

One of the biggest concerns following severe weather is fake contractors.

According to IDHS, scammers may go door-to-door offering quick home repairs, tree removal or other services. They may demand payment upfront and then disappear without completing the work.

Residents should also watch for debris-removal scams, which can work much the same way.

Other scams identified by IDHS include:

• FEMA impersonators who claim to represent FEMA or another emergency agency and request Social Security numbers, banking information or payment for assistance.
• Bogus charities using names that resemble legitimate organizations while soliciting cash, gift cards or wire transfers.
• Rental and housing scams involving nonexistent or already-occupied properties advertised to people who urgently need somewhere to stay.

Read More: State of Emergency Declared Across Indiana

Government Assistance Shouldn't Cost You Money

There's one warning from IDHS that is especially important to remember during disaster recovery:

Do not give money to someone claiming to work for a government entity.

If someone comes to your home claiming to represent a government agency, ask to see identification and don't assume a uniform, badge, or official-looking logo proves the person is legitimate.

Never provide personal or financial information unless you are certain who you're dealing with.

Be Careful With Contractors After the Storm

When your home has been damaged, there's an understandable urge to get it fixed as quickly as possible. That urgency is exactly what scammers can exploit.

Before hiring someone, verify the contractor's credentials and ask for references. Be especially cautious of someone who unexpectedly appears at your door and pressures you to make an immediate decision.

IDHS also warns consumers to be suspicious of anyone demanding unusual payment methods such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.

And never pay the entire cost of a job before the work begins.

Take a Minute Before You Click

Not every disaster scam happens face-to-face.

Fraudulent emails, text messages and social media posts can also appear after a disaster. IDHS recommends watching for spelling errors, unusually urgent language and suspicious links.

If a message pressures you to act immediately, provide financial information or send money, stop and independently verify who sent it before doing anything else.

How to Report a Suspected Scam

If you believe you've encountered a scam, IDHS recommends reporting it to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember as Indiana recovers is that scammers deliberately use urgency, fear, and confusion to their advantage. Taking a few extra minutes to verify who you're dealing with could keep an already difficult situation from becoming even worse.