When disaster strikes, be it a flood, tornado, or severe storm. The whole community feels the impact. For older adults and other vulnerable residents, the road to recovery can be especially challenging. Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of these stressful times, preying on people who are simply trying to get back on their feet.
The FTC said in their Consumer Alert “September is National Preparedness Month, a great time to review, update, or even draft your plan for emergencies. Take note of the information below to make sure you and people around you are prepared to deal with and recover from a disaster”
It might be October now, but this is still a great time to prepare.
Continue reading to discover the resources the FTC has provided and learn about real disaster-related scams that have happened in our communities.
Real Scams, Real Impact, Right Here in Missouri
No community is immune. In Missouri, recent disasters have brought out both the best in neighbors, and the worst in scammers:
1. Utility Impostor Scams After Storms
After severe thunderstorms and power outages in Missouri, some residents have reported receiving calls or visits from individuals claiming to be from the local utility company. These scammers threaten to disconnect power unless immediate payment is made, often demanding prepaid debit cards or wire transfers. Legitimate utility companies will never demand payment on the spot or ask for payment through unusual methods.
2. FEMA Impersonator Scams
In the aftermath of tornadoes and floods, some Missouri residents have encountered individuals posing as FEMA officials or disaster aid workers. These impostors may show up at your door or call, offering fast-track disaster assistance in exchange for personal information or a “processing fee.” The real FEMA will never ask for money or sensitive information upfront and encourage people to verify identities before sharing any details.
3. Phony Cleanup Crews After Tornado Damage
Following tornadoes in the Springfield area, reports have surfaced of fake cleanup crews offering debris removal and tree clearing for cash payments. These scammers often claim they need payment in advance to “secure your spot,” then vanish without doing any work, leaving homeowners with more mess and less money.
4. Rental Scams After Flood Displacement
When floods force residents out of their homes, scammers sometimes post fake rental listings for properties that don’t exist or aren’t actually available. Victims, desperate for a place to stay, are convinced to send deposits or application fees to secure the “rental,” only to find out they’ve been duped.
Scams like these don’t just happen in Missouri, they’re a national problem whenever disaster strikes. That’s why it’s so important to stay informed and prepared.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones – FTC Consumer Alert
1. Make a Plan, with Fraud Prevention in Mind
Ready to get started? The FTC has provided many great resources to help, one of them being the
[Ready.gov Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults]
It’s a great resource for anyone, especially seniors and caregivers, to create a plan that covers both emergency response and scam prevention.
2. Bookmark Trusted Resources
Save [DisasterAssistance.gov] to quickly find local help after a disaster. This will help you avoid scammy search results or fake recovery websites when you’re under stress.
3. Watch Out for Government Impersonators
Scammers often pretend to be government officials offering disaster grants or assistance. Remember: No genuine government worker will ever ask you to pay fees or share your bank information to get aid.
4. Stay Informed and Share What You Learn
Watch and share educational content like the FTC’s video shared below and review their advice at [ftc.gov/WeatherEmergencies] . The more you know, the safer you’ll be.
5. Report Scams
If you spot or fall victim to a disaster-related scam, report it immediately at [ReportFraud.ftc.gov]. Sharing your experience helps protect others in your community and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Emergencies are hard enough without the added worry of fraud. By having a plan, knowing the signs of disaster-related scams, and using trusted resources, you can protect yourself and help your community recover more safely.
All of the tips and resources shared in this article come directly from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a trusted authority in consumer protection.
For even more information, guidance, and updates, be sure to visit the [FTC website]
Stay safe, stay prepared, and let’s look out for each other, no matter where disaster strikes.
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