When a hurricane, flood, wildfire, or other tragic disaster strikes, many people respond with generosity. Unfortunately, cybercriminals respond just as quickly, launching scams that exploit our desire to help. 

Furthermore, scammers work every day to take advantage of people's kindness, even when a disaster isn't in the headlines. They will create fake charities and stories to pull your heartstrings and open your wallet.   

But with some precautions, you can reduce the chance of falling victim. When in doubt, trust your gut and donate to established, trusted organizations – and only donate through official websites.

1. Fake FEMA websites and impostors 

In the wake of hurricanes like Harvey and Irma, scammers posed as government relief agencies to trick victims into sharing personal data or making fraudulent payments. 

If you're applying for disaster aid, always go directly to FEMA.gov or DisasterAssistance.gov. Never trust a link sent to you over text or social media. 

Red flags for government impostors include: 

• Unsolicited emails or phone calls asking for personal info 

• Requests for fees to process your FEMA application (FEMA never charges) 

• Fake agents showing up in person without official ID 

If you're unsure, hang up or stop talking to the person. Call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 to verify or go to FEMA.gov to donate. 

2. Charity scams that prey on goodwill\

After a tragic event, we all want to help. But fake charities are common, unfortunately. Some are entirely fake, others mimic real organizations with small but deceptive changes to their names or URLs.

• To avoid donating to scammers:

• Research charities at CharityNavigator.org

• Avoid clicking links in emails, ads, or social media posts – go directly to the charity’s official website instead 

• Never donate via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin)

These scams prey on fear, urgency, and goodwill, which then makes both victims and donors targets.  

3. Phony crowdfunding campaigns 

Sites like GoFundMe can be lifelines for real victims, but scammers take advantage of them too. Some fake campaigns use stolen images and false stories. Others copy legitimate fundraisers to siphon money from donors. 

Before giving to a crowdfunding campaign: 

• Only give to campaigns created by people you know or verified sources 

• Be cautious of vague campaign descriptions or sketchy organizer profiles 

GoFundMe and similar platforms often remove fraudulent campaigns, but it’s better to prevent the scam in the first place than to hope for a refund later. GoFundMe has several resources to learn more.  

4. Scam contractors and fake volunteers 

Disaster recovery often means home repairs. This opens the door for shady contractors. Some scammers pose as Red Cross workers or contractors offering “urgent” repairs and debris removal services. 

How to spot a fake: 

• They demand cash upfront or full payment before starting work 

• They use high-pressure tactics and don’t provide written contracts 

• They aren’t licensed, have no permanent address, or aren’t local 

Legitimate contractors will be licensed, insured, and happy to give you references and a written estimate. Be wary of anyone who shows up unannounced offering help for a fee – real volunteers won’t charge for tarps or supplies. 

5. Sketchy payment requests

Payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App are often used in scams because they don’t offer much buyer protection. You might see a heart-wrenching story on social media or get a text from someone claiming to collect donations. But once you send the money, there’s usually no way to get it back.

Stay safe by:

• Always avoid peer-to-peer payment apps for donations unless you know the person

• Never sending donations via gift cards, wire transfers, or cash 

• Focusing on verified campaigns and established organizations

When in doubt, pause and verify. Scammers rely on urgency to cloud your judgment. 

Slow down and stay skeptical when you give 

Disaster scammers thrive on panic, emotion, and haste. Whether you’re donating money or seeking aid, a few moments of verification can protect you and help ensure that your goodwill actually reaches those in need. 

Want to support disaster victims safely? Stick to known, verified organizations, and double-check everything before you give. Generosity is a beautiful thing...but only when it lands in the right hands. For more tips, sign up for our free email newsletter!