5 tips for spotting scams during a crisis

When a disaster occurs, fraudsters often try to take advantage of survivors and the most vulnerable. Criminals may pose as government officials, contractors, utility or repair workers, and solicitations from scam charities are common.

For those seeking relief and those looking to lend a helping hand, here are some tips for spotting red flags and how to safely respond.  

01
Do your research. Always research an organization before donating. Verify their physical address and contact information to ensure they are legitimate.

02
Watch out of suspicious links, texts or calls. Be wary of clicking links in solicited emails. Instead go directly to an organization’s website. Also, be aware of unsolicited texts, emails  or calls requesting personal information or urging you to send money immediately.

03
Avoid requests for cash or gift cards. Be cautious of anyone asking for donations in the form of cash, wire transfers or gift cards. Legitimate organizations typically do not request these forms of payment.

04
Donate with a credit or debit card. By using your card, you will not be held responsible for unauthorized transactions as Zero Liability applies to payments made in a store, over the telephone, online or via a mobile device and ATM transactions.

05
Monitor accounts and report suspicious activity. Regularly check your bank account and credit report for suspicious or unauthorized activities. Report any concerning activity to your financial institution or federal consumer protection institutions in your country, such as the Federal Trade Commission in the U.S.

For those whose lives have been upended by disaster, your kindness can have a great impact. Vigilance and verification go a long way in making sure your generosity makes a difference.