Stay Secure After Hurricane Helene: Protect Your Finances and Avoid Scams After natural disasters, scammers often try to take advantage of people. Protect yourself from these scams by staying aware and informed. The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs offers important warning signs and tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe. The Federal Trade Commission's guide on avoiding scams after natural disasters warns against unlicensed contractors, upfront cash payments, and anyone promising quick repairs. To avoid being scammed, make sure contractors are licensed, don’t pay in cash up front, and never use payment methods like gift cards.
Avoid Home Repair Scams
Be cautious if a contractor:
-Shows up unannounced at your door
-Offers discounted deals with leftover materials
-Pressures you to make quick decisions
-Demands large cash payments upfront These are not people you want to hire or work with.
Protect Yourself from Fake Charities, trying to raise money
During a crisis, many people want to help by donating money. Unfortunately, scammers may try to take advantage of this kindness:
- Avoid donating to people who come to your door asking for money.
- Don’t send cash; use checks, credit cards or safe apps to make donations.
- Stick to well-known charities. You can get more information on trusted charities from the SC Secretary of State
Avoid Imposter or Fake Officials
After disasters, scammers may pose as government officials or insurance agents.
- Ask for ID before providing any personal information.
- Never give out your bank or credit card information to unexpected callers.
- Avoid signing any contracts or documents that you don’t understand.
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Natural Disaster Misinformation During natural disasters, such as the one we are experiencing after Hurricane Helene, misinformation spreads quickly. Misinformation is bad, fake, or incorrect information. Misinformation can be confusing and prevents us from getting correct information and the help we need. To prevent this, agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the White House, work hard to provide accurate and up-to-date information. These efforts ensure that people can access reliable information and avoid misleading or untrue information during emergencies. To find accurate and reliable information about natural disasters, like the one we are experiencing now, go to trusted sources like the State Emergency Management Division, National Weather Service, and other federal, state, county and local government sites. Protect yourself and others by sharing the facts and not rumors or exaggerations. To help stop the spread of misinformation, you can: Resources North Carolina Department of Public Safety: Hurricane Helene, Fact vs. Rumor NPR: Fact-checking falsehoods about FEMA funding and Hurricane Helene The White House: Interested Parties Memo: Fighting Hurricane Helene Falsehoods with Facts |
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