Avoid disaster scams

Contractors

Red flags from repair crews

• Door-to-door offers, especially from out-of-state crews, right after the disaster
• Pressure to sign today, or a “special price” that expires
• Large cash payments or full payment up front
• No written contract, no license number, or no local address
• Offers to “handle your insurance” if you sign over your benefits

Before you hire: get two or three written estimates, check the contractor’s license with your state, ask for references, and pay in stages as work is completed.

Impostors

Fake officials and fake charities

• FEMA and SBA never charge a fee to apply for help. Real inspectors carry photo ID and will never ask for your bank PIN.
• Hang up on anyone who calls asking for your Social Security or bank account number. Call the agency back at a number you look up yourself.
• Give only to charities you know. Be wary of crowdfunding pages you can’t verify.