How to Protect From Online Scams After Natural Disasters

In the wake of a natural disaster, communities face not only physical devastation but also a surge in predatory online scams targeting vulnerable victims. When hurricanes, wildfires, floods, or tornadoes strike, cybercriminals quickly mobilize to exploit the chaos, confusion, and generosity that follow. At Batten Emergency, we’ve seen firsthand how these digital threats compound the stress of disaster recovery, which is why understanding how to protect yourself from post-disaster scams is a critical component of comprehensive emergency preparedness.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), reports of disaster-related fraud increase by up to 40% in affected regions following major catastrophes. These scams not only divert crucial financial resources away from legitimate recovery efforts but can also compromise sensitive personal information when victims are most vulnerable. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to identify, avoid, and report disaster-related online scams, ensuring your family’s digital security remains intact even when physical security is compromised.

Common Types of Post-Disaster Online Scams

After a natural disaster strikes, scammers deploy a predictable arsenal of tactics designed to exploit victims’ immediate needs and the general public’s desire to help. Understanding these common scam types is your first line of defense. Our emergency preparedness experts have documented a significant increase in these scam categories following recent hurricanes and wildfires across the United States.

Fake Charity Scams:

In the aftermath of disasters, fraudulent charitable organizations appear overnight, often with names deliberately similar to legitimate relief organizations. These scammers create convincing websites, social media accounts, and fundraising pages that mimic authentic disaster relief efforts.

They may use disaster footage without permission to create emotional appeals
They often pressure for immediate donations via methods that aren’t easily traceable (gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency)
They typically lack transparency about how funds will be used
They may claim to be affiliated with government agencies or established charities

FEMA and Government Impersonation Scams:

Government impersonation scams spike dramatically following federally declared disasters. Scammers pose as representatives from FEMA, the SBA, or other government agencies, claiming to offer disaster assistance. Our specialists emphasize that legitimate government agencies never charge application fees for disaster assistance and will never contact you unless you’ve initiated an application.

They request personal information like Social Security numbers or banking details for “verification”
They demand payment for “processing” disaster assistance applications
They send official-looking emails with malicious attachments labeled as “assistance forms”
They create fake government websites with URLs that closely resemble official sites

Contractor and Home Repair Scams:

After property damage occurs, illegitimate contractors swarm disaster areas, both physically and online. These scammers often create fake business websites, post on community forums, or advertise through targeted social media campaigns in affected zip codes.

They demand large upfront payments for repairs
They create fake online portfolios showing previous “work”
They claim to offer special “disaster pricing” that requires immediate payment
They set up fake online storefronts selling emergency supplies at inflated prices

Phishing and Identity Theft:

Disaster-related phishing attempts often arrive as emails, texts, or social media messages claiming to contain important information about disaster relief, evacuation orders, or insurance claims. Based on our field testing, these communications often look remarkably authentic and can fool even tech-savvy individuals during the stress of disaster recovery.

Messages requesting verification of personal information for “disaster assistance”
Emails with malicious attachments labeled as claim forms or assistance applications
Fake insurance company communications requesting policy information
Fraudulent job listings for disaster cleanup or recovery work requiring application fees

Red Flags That Signal a Potential Scam

Recognizing the warning signs of disaster-related scams can prevent you from becoming a victim during an already challenging time. Our emergency preparedness team has compiled these key indicators based on patterns observed across multiple disaster events. The Department of Homeland Security reports that over 60% of disaster victims who fall for scams later identify clear warning signs they initially overlooked due to stress or urgency.

Pressure Tactics and Urgency:

Legitimate organizations understand that disaster victims need time to make decisions. Scammers, however, rely on creating artificial urgency to bypass your normal decision-making process. In our experience working with disaster victims, those who felt pressured to make immediate financial decisions were significantly more likely to encounter fraudulent actors.

Claims that an offer is “time-limited” or “disaster-specific”
Warnings that you’ll lose eligibility for assistance if you don’t act immediately
Messages suggesting supplies are running out and you must pay now
Threats that your insurance claim will be denied if you don’t verify information right away

Unusual Payment Methods:

The payment methods requested can be one of the clearest indicators of a scam. Legitimate relief organizations and government agencies offer secure, traceable payment options and never demand payment for services that should be free.

Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
Directions to send money to an individual rather than an organization
Requirements to pay fees to receive “guaranteed” disaster assistance
Requests to provide payment information before any services are discussed

Suspicious Contact Information:

Examining the contact details provided by an organization can reveal important clues about legitimacy. Our team always recommends independently verifying contact information through official sources rather than using the information provided in the initial communication.

Email addresses that don’t match the organization’s official domain
Websites with URLs that are slight misspellings of legitimate organizations
Contact numbers that differ from those listed on official websites
Social media accounts that were created recently or have minimal activity before the disaster

Lack of Verifiable Credentials:

Legitimate disaster response organizations, contractors, and charities have verifiable credentials and established histories. According to the Better Business Bureau, over 80% of post-disaster scams involve entities that cannot provide proper licensing or organizational verification.

Inability to provide local business licenses or contractor registration
Absence from charity verification databases like Charity Navigator or GuideStar
No physical address or only a P.O. box listed
Missing privacy policies or terms of service on websites

Steps to Verify Legitimate Organizations

Before engaging with any organization offering disaster assistance or requesting donations, take time to verify their legitimacy. This verification process is critical for protecting both your financial resources and personal information during disaster recovery. The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) emphasizes that proper verification can eliminate over 90% of potential fraud victimization.

Research Charitable Organizations:

Legitimate charities welcome scrutiny and maintain transparency in their operations. Our emergency preparedness experts recommend checking multiple verification sources before making donations, as even a five-minute research effort can prevent fraudulent contributions.

Verify the charity on Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance
Confirm the organization has 501(c)(3) status using the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search
Review the charity’s own website for transparency about leadership, financials, and how funds are used
Search the charity’s name plus words like “complaint,” “review,” or “scam” to identify potential issues

Verify Government Communications:

Government agencies follow strict protocols when communicating with disaster victims. Understanding these protocols helps distinguish legitimate contacts from impersonators. In our experience helping communities navigate disaster recovery, confusion about government communication channels is a primary vulnerability exploited by scammers.

Remember that federal agencies like FEMA never charge for disaster assistance applications
Verify that emails from government agencies come from .gov domains
Independently look up official agency phone numbers rather than calling numbers provided in emails or texts
Know that government representatives will have official ID and will not ask for payments

If you’ve applied for FEMA assistance, you’ll receive a unique registration number. Government representatives will reference this number in legitimate communications but will never ask you to provide the full number to them as verification.

Check Contractor Credentials:

Hiring contractors for post-disaster repairs requires diligent verification to avoid fraud. The Federal Trade Commission reports that home repair scams increase by up to 50% in regions affected by major disasters, making credential verification essential.

Verify business licenses through your state’s contractor board or licensing division
Check for membership in professional associations relevant to their trade
Confirm they have proper insurance coverage (liability and workers’ compensation)
Review their Better Business Bureau profile for complaints or resolution history
Ask for and contact references from previous customers, particularly for disaster-related work

Use Official Websites and Contact Methods:

Always access organizations through their official channels rather than following links provided in unsolicited communications. Our team always recommends typing URLs directly into your browser or using search engines to find official websites, rather than clicking links in emails or text messages.

Type website addresses directly into your browser instead of clicking links
Call organizations using phone numbers from their official websites or from government directories
Visit local disaster recovery centers in person when possible to connect with verified organizations
Use official mobile apps downloaded from reputable app stores, not from links

Protecting Your Personal and Financial Information

During disaster recovery, your personal and financial information becomes particularly vulnerable as you interact with multiple agencies, contractors, and assistance organizations. Implementing strong protective measures is essential for preventing identity theft and financial fraud. The Identity Theft Resource Center reports that disaster victims are 76% more likely to experience identity theft in the months following a catastrophic event.

Secure Communication Practices:

How you communicate during disaster recovery can significantly impact your vulnerability to scams. Our emergency preparedness experts emphasize that establishing secure communication protocols before disaster strikes should be part of every family’s emergency plan.

Never share personal information in response to unsolicited calls, emails, or texts
Use encrypted messaging apps when sharing sensitive information with family members
Avoid conducting sensitive business on public Wi-Fi networks in evacuation centers or temporary housing
Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing financial accounts during displacement

Financial Account Protection:

Your financial accounts require additional safeguards during disaster recovery periods when transaction patterns may change and monitoring may be more difficult. Based on our field testing, implementing these protective measures before disaster strikes provides the strongest defense against fraud.

Set up fraud alerts with credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion)
Consider a temporary credit freeze if you don’t need to apply for new credit during recovery
Enable multi-factor authentication on all financial accounts
Set up account alerts for transactions above certain thresholds
Monitor accounts regularly for unauthorized charges

Document Security:

Proper handling of physical and digital documents containing sensitive information is crucial during evacuation and temporary relocation. What our experts have seen work well is creating a secure document management plan as part of your overall emergency preparedness strategy.

Store physical documents in waterproof, portable containers that can be quickly evacuated
Create encrypted digital backups of important documents before disasters strike
Shred any documents containing personal information before discarding them in temporary housing
Be cautious about who you allow to photocopy your identification or insurance documents

Digital Security Measures:

Strengthening your digital security posture helps protect against the increased phishing and malware attacks that follow disasters. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends implementing these basic security measures as part of disaster preparedness.

Use strong, unique passwords for different accounts, especially disaster assistance portals
Consider using a password manager to maintain security without memorizing multiple complex passwords
Keep devices updated with the latest security patches, even during disaster recovery
Install and maintain reputable antivirus and anti-malware software
Be especially cautious about downloading attachments or clicking links in disaster-related emails

Our team always recommends implementing comprehensive cybersecurity solutions as part of your emergency preparedness plan, ensuring your digital security remains intact even when physical security is compromised.

Creating a Disaster Fraud Response Plan

Preparing for potential scams should be an integral part of your overall emergency preparedness strategy. Creating a proactive plan for identifying, avoiding, and reporting fraud attempts can significantly reduce your vulnerability during the chaos following a disaster. According to the Department of Justice, individuals with established fraud response protocols are 65% less likely to become victims of disaster-related scams.

Pre-Disaster Preparation:

Taking preventative measures before a disaster strikes provides the strongest protection against scams. Our emergency preparedness experts emphasize that these preparations should be integrated into your broader family disaster plan and supplies strategy.

Research and save contact information for legitimate local disaster response organizations
Bookmark official government disaster assistance websites (FEMA.gov, DisasterAssistance.gov)
Create a secure digital and physical file of important documents (insurance policies, identification)
Establish communication protocols with family members for verifying legitimate requests
Consider setting up a disaster-specific email address for assistance applications to isolate potential phishing attempts

During-Disaster Vigilance:

Maintaining awareness during the disaster response phase is crucial for avoiding opportunistic scams. In our experience working with disaster victims, those who maintain a healthy skepticism while seeking assistance are best protected against fraud.

Document all interactions with assistance organizations, contractors, and insurance representatives
Verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent government agencies or relief organizations
Discuss unusual requests or offers with family members before taking action
Use official disaster recovery centers when possible rather than dealing with unsolicited offers

Post-Disaster Monitoring:

Vigilance must continue well after the immediate disaster has passed, as many scams target victims during the long recovery process. Our specialists emphasize that monitoring should continue for at least 12 months following a major disaster.

Regularly check credit reports for unauthorized accounts or inquiries
Monitor insurance claims and assistance applications for unexpected changes
Review contractor work against agreements before making final payments
Keep track of all disaster-related expenses for potential insurance or tax purposes

Family Communication Plan:

Establishing clear communication protocols with family members helps prevent scammers from exploiting confusion or separation during disasters. What our experts have seen work well is creating verification questions or code words that family members can use to authenticate legitimate requests.

Create a family verification system for urgent requests involving money or personal information
Establish designated family points of contact for coordinating assistance applications
Agree on which family members have authorization to make financial decisions during recovery
Implement a system for documenting and sharing information about potential scams encountered

How to Report Disaster-Related Scams

Reporting scams not only helps protect you but also contributes to broader efforts to combat disaster-related fraud. Federal agencies use these reports to identify patterns, issue warnings, and prosecute perpetrators. The National Center for Disaster Fraud reports that timely reporting increases the chance of recovering stolen funds by up to 60% and helps protect other potential victims.

Federal Reporting Channels:

Multiple federal agencies coordinate to address disaster-related fraud, each with specific reporting mechanisms. Our emergency preparedness team recommends reporting to multiple channels when appropriate to ensure comprehensive response.

National Center for Disaster Fraud: Report via their hotline (866-720-5721) or online form at Justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm
Federal Trade Commission: Submit reports at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): File complaints about online scams at IC3.gov
FEMA Fraud Hotline: Report FEMA impersonators or application fraud at 1-866-720-5721

State and Local Reporting:

State and local authorities often have specialized units dealing with disaster fraud that can provide more immediate assistance. Based on our field testing, coordinating with local law enforcement often leads to faster resolution of localized scam attempts.

State Attorney General’s Office: Most have consumer protection divisions focusing on disaster-related fraud
Local Police Department: File reports for scams involving local perpetrators or substantial financial losses
County Emergency Management Office: Report suspicious disaster recovery services operating locally
State Insurance Commissioner: Report insurance-related scams or adjuster fraud

Organization-Specific Reporting:

When scams impersonate legitimate organizations, reporting directly to those entities helps them take protective measures. In our experience helping communities navigate disaster recovery, this direct reporting often leads to improved warnings and protections for other potential victims.

Better Business Bureau: Report charity scams and fraudulent businesses at BBB.org/ScamTracker
Legitimate Charities: Inform real organizations when scammers are impersonating them
Financial Institutions: Report suspicious transactions directly to your bank or credit card company
Social Media Platforms: Report fraudulent fundraisers or scam accounts through platform reporting tools

What Information to Include in Reports:

Providing comprehensive details when reporting scams significantly increases the effectiveness of investigations. Our team always recommends documenting potential scams as thoroughly as possible, even if you didn’t become a victim.

Contact information used by the scammer (phone numbers, email addresses, websites, physical addresses)
Names of individuals or organizations involved
Detailed description of how the scam operated
Dates and times of interactions
Copies of communications (emails, texts, social media messages)
Payment information if money was sent (transaction numbers, recipient details)
Any other identifying information about the scammer or operation

Resources for Disaster Scam Prevention and Recovery

Numerous resources are available to help disaster survivors protect themselves from scams and recover if victimized. These trusted sources provide up-to-date information on current scams and offer assistance with recovery. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports that individuals who utilize these resources are 40% less likely to experience financial losses from disaster-related fraud.

Government Resources:

Federal and state agencies offer comprehensive guidance on avoiding disaster-related scams. Our emergency preparedness experts regularly reference these authoritative sources when advising communities on fraud prevention.

FEMA’s Rumor Control: Addresses common disaster misinformation and scams
FTC Scam Alerts: Provides timely warnings about emerging scam tactics
USA.gov Disaster Resources: Offers verified information on legitimate assistance programs
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): Provides guidance on digital security during disasters

Financial Recovery Resources:

If you’ve fallen victim to a disaster-related scam, these resources can help mitigate financial damage. What our experts have seen work well is taking immediate action through these channels to limit losses and begin recovery.

IdentityTheft.gov: Offers step-by-step recovery plans for identity theft victims
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Provides guidance on disputing fraudulent charges
AnnualCreditReport.com: The only authorized source for free credit reports from all three bureaus
Credit Bureau Fraud Departments: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion all have dedicated fraud resolution teams

Community Support Networks:

Local organizations often provide personalized assistance with disaster recovery and fraud prevention. Based on our field testing, these community resources frequently offer the most accessible and immediate support for disaster victims.

Local Legal Aid Services: Many offer free legal assistance to disaster victims facing fraud
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT): Can provide verified information about legitimate local recovery efforts
Area Agencies on Aging: Offer specialized assistance to older adults who are frequently targeted by scammers
Local Better Business Bureau offices: Provide information on verified contractors and businesses

Educational Resources:

Ongoing education about evolving scam tactics provides the best long-term protection. Our specialists emphasize that staying informed about current scam methods is essential for maintaining vigilance throughout the recovery process.

FTC’s Pass It On Campaign: Provides shareable resources about common scams
Ready.gov Financial Preparedness: Offers guidance on protecting financial resources during disasters
FBI Scams and Safety: Provides detailed information on current fraud schemes
Emergency Kit Lists for Natural Disasters: Include information security items in your preparations

Conclusion: Building Digital Resilience Into Your Emergency Plan

Protecting yourself from online scams after natural disasters requires the same level of preparation and vigilance as physical emergency readiness. By incorporating digital security measures into your comprehensive emergency plan, you create a more resilient foundation for recovery. Just as you would stock emergency supplies and create evacuation routes, establishing protocols for verifying assistance offers and securing personal information should be standard components of disaster preparedness.

At Batten Emergency, our experience supporting communities through various disaster scenarios has shown that those who prepare for both physical and digital threats recover more quickly and with fewer setbacks. By familiarizing yourself with common scam tactics, establishing verification procedures, implementing strong security practices, and knowing how to report suspicious activities, you significantly reduce your vulnerability during the chaotic post-disaster period.

Remember that disaster recovery is often a marathon, not a sprint, and maintaining vigilance throughout the process is essential for protecting your financial resources and personal information. By staying informed, skeptical of unsolicited offers, and connected with legitimate assistance channels, you can focus your energy on rebuilding rather than recovering from preventable fraud.

As you update your emergency preparedness plans, we encourage you to include these digital protection strategies alongside your physical preparations. Comprehensive emergency readiness addresses all aspects of vulnerability—from securing your home against natural threats to protecting your digital identity during recovery. With proper preparation, you can navigate even the most challenging disaster scenarios with confidence and security.

Sources used for this article:

Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/giving-charity

FEMA Rumor Control, https://www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus/rumor-control

Department of Justice National Center for Disaster Fraud, https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/tips/ST04-014