A Free Public Service

April 30, 2024

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, California..

TORNADOS DAMAGE SCAMS

Just as people in Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, and other Midwestern US states are reeling from the catastrophic damage caused by tornados and other severe weather, scammers are taking advantage. They use all kinds of stories to try to trick those doing their best to recover and anyone who tries to help.

Scammers falsely offer help but demand pay up front for clean-up or repairs.

A great place to help yourself and others spot and avoid scams after a disaster is http://www.ftc.gov/WeatherEmergencies. If you’re pressed for time as you focus on recovery, remember this:

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and the Small Business Administration don’t charge application fees.

Only scammers say they’re a government official and demand money to help you qualify for FEMA funds or government grant. Places to get information are http://www.FEMA.gov or http://www.SBA.gov if you are a business owner.

 And don’t hire anyone to do repair work who refuses to give you copies of their license and insurance, and a contract in writing.

Take time to research legitimate charities. That could help avoid charity scammers.

Do you suspect a weather-related or other scam? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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