RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida Wednesday night, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene roughly two weeks prior, which resulted in over 200 deaths and extensive property damage. As relief efforts continue, the U.S. Department of Justice is alerting the public about a rise in scams that exploit victims of these disasters.
Milton started its destruction Wednesday, Oct. 9, as a Category 3 storm but weakened to a Category 1 as it traveled across Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center. As of Friday morning, 2.5 million homes and businesses remained without power. The storm had spawned a number of tornadoes and killed at least four people.
According to the Justice Department, scammers are quick to exploit weather disasters and the people affected by them.
The Justice Department, including the NCDF, stands ready to prevent these bad actors from fraudulent activity. We are here to support victims of natural disasters during these difficult times together with our state, local and federal partners, and agencies. In an effort to assist the most vulnerable neighbors who are susceptible to these types of fraudulent schemes, we encourage you to be diligent in reporting suspicious activity on their behalf.
U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe Jr. for the Middle District of Louisiana, Executive Director of the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF)
According to officials, scammers will often use the following kinds of scams to take advantage:
- Fraudulent charities soliciting donations for disaster victims that often imitate the names of charities linked to the disaster
- Scammers impersonating government officials, offering disaster relief in exchange for personal information or money
- Scammers promoting nonexistent businesses or investment opportunities related to disaster recovery, such as rebuilding or flood-proofing
- Price gouging for essential goods and services needed by disaster victims
- Businesses using supply chain disruptions as an excuse to overcharge customers
The department encourages people to exercise caution before giving money or personal information to someone on the phone and reminds people of the following:
- Scammers will insist on payment through wire transfer, gift card, payment app, cryptocurrency or cash.
- If they promise to help qualify for relief in exchange for a fee, it is a scam.
- Never sign an insurance check over to someone else.
- Make sure to research contractors and get estimates from more than one before signing a work contract.
- Get a written contract for repairs and read it carefully before signing.
Jonathan McNamara , the American Red Cross communications director, emphasized to NewsNation affiliate WRIC that the organization will never request money or personal information through phone calls.
As Florida grapples with the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, officials urge residents to stay informed and cautious, ensuring that their donations reach legitimate organizations working to aid those in need.
Anyone who is a victim of a scam can report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud by completing a Disaster Complaint Form or by calling 866-720-5721, a hotline staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.