Alert: Watch Out for Weather Relief Scams

Severe weather across the Midwest and southern United States has resulted in immense devastation across a large swath of the country. Unfortunately, this means that scammers are ready to target victims eager to rebuild or complete repairs quickly. Follow these tips from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to avoid becoming a scammer’s next victim:

• Stay skeptical. It’s common for unlicensed contractors to target recovery zones, and they often request cash up front for their work. Always ask for copies of their license, insurance, and a contract in writing before taking action.

• Do your own research. Before you sign anything, whether it’s an agreement with a contractor or an application for funding, use trusted resources to see what others are saying.

• Get multiple estimates. Compare estimates from more than one contractor, and remember to ask for an explanation of any significant differences in price. Estimates should describe the work to be done in a clear manner, including materials, timeline, and contact information.

• Pay by credit card or check. Never pay for repairs with cash, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, gift cards, or a payment app - if it’s a scam, these payment methods make it challenging to recover your money.

For more information about avoiding weather-related scams, review these reminders from the FTC as you evaluate next steps to repair and rebuild.

At the same time, scammers are setting up fraudulent donation schemes, targeting those who are willing to lend a helping hand. Before proceeding with a donation, take steps to ensure your donations will reach a charity and not a scammer. Follow these steps from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to identify and avoid these scams:

• Slow down. You don’t have to donate immediately. Search online for the name of the charity you are interested in supporting, plus words like “review,” “scam,” or “complaint.” See if others have had good or bad experiences with the charity.

• Check what charity watchdog groups say about the organization. Don't assume that familiar-sounding names or messages posted on social media are legitimate. Donate to charities you know and trust and that have a proven record of dealing with disasters.

• Ask how your money will be spent. If someone calls to ask to donate, they should be able to answer how much of your donation will go to the program you want to help and other critical questions.

• Look at fees and timing if you’re donating through an online platform or social media. Check whether your donation will go directly to the charity and, if not, how long it will take to get there and if there are fees.

• Visit ftc.gov/charity before you open up your wallet. Learn more about giving through online platforms and how to spot and avoid charity scams.

Please contact your Account Manager if you have any questions or you need assistance.