Identity theft is almost always a risk to look out for, but that risk grows greater in the wake of natural disasters. Victims of tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and other horrible acts of nature are often susceptible to scammers who pose as agents of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or other organizations. These fraudsters pretend to help, but only as long as they can collect victims’ personal info and/or money to use for their own gain.
Emergency assistance fraud after disasters preys upon people who are already at their wits’ end. Day-to-day things that people rely on for security and communication, such as electricity and the internet, often aren’t available after a natural disaster. This makes it easier for identity thieves to take advantage of victims while they are scared, isolated, and vulnerable.
This article will explore the most common ways that scammers steal personal information after a disaster. We’ll also lay out ways that you can protect your identity from fraud after a natural disaster.
How scammers steal your identity after natural disasters
Scammers employ many different methods to steal your identity. Some of these scams are common even if a natural disaster has not just happened, but they are especially worth watching out for in the wake of a natural emergency:
- Phishing scams: You may receive text messages claiming that if you just click the link they contain, you’ll receive money or other assistance for your recovery. Most likely, this link takes you to a fake website where you’ll unsuspectingly hand over your money to the scammer. Or the link contains malware to hack your device and steal more data from you.
- Data breaches: After a natural disaster, hackers may target shelters and relief centers to steal the personal data that these places have stored about the victims they’ve helped.
- Fraudulent aid applications: Scammers would love to use your personal information to receive money or other services in your name. They might contact you, pretending to be someone you trust, so that you will give your information to them. Then they will just use this info to apply for aid themselves.
- Fake government and insurance officials: As we previously mentioned, fraudsters may pose as an agent from a government organization that aims to assist victims of natural disasters.
After a disaster, it’s easy for identity thieves to physically get their hands on private information. They can enter damaged homes and steal identifying documents or pick up mail that has been scattered on the street. If they are on the hunt for other people’s identities, they’ll take any opportunity they can get.
Protecting yourself during disaster recovery
- Preparing for the worst can sound like a daunting task. But it’s relatively easy to take a few proactive steps that help keep your information secure when a natural disaster strikes:
- Secure personal documents in water and fireproof lockboxes or containers at home. It’s also wise to keep an extra copy of important paperwork at the bank or at a trusted person’s house.
- If identity theft has occurred, or if you think you will not be able to check your credit for a long time due to power outages, freeze your credit to protect against any unauthorized access.
- Verify the legitimacy of charities and aid organizations before you try to donate or use their services.
- Report fraud to the appropriate authorities.
- Monitor your bank accounts and credit reports. Better yet, subscribe to a comprehensive monitoring and restoration service like IDShield to do the hard work for you.
Caught in a scam? Take these steps for identity theft recovery
Becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft after a natural disaster can feel debilitating. If you do become a victim, it’s helpful to know some actions you can carry out to help yourself right away.
Signing up for professional services such as IDShield can give you great peace of mind knowing that you are already monitored and protected in case the worst occurs. IDShield helps secure your personal data, monitors accounts, sends alerts about suspicious activity, and works to restore stolen identity, all at an affordable monthly fee. These are all valuable services to have at your disposal before, during, and after a natural disaster.
Disaster relief scams don’t just stop at one victim. Fraudsters often target entire communities that have been affected. Share these government resources as well as IDShield with your friends, family and neighbors, to aid in the fight against emergency fraud after disasters.
Government resources for identity theft protection during natural disaster recovery
- Identitytheft.gov helps you report and recover from identity theft.
- The Social Security Administration provides assistance in recovering from scams.
- FEMA offers help with disaster fraud recovery.
With government resources like these and IDShield standing ready to help protect and restore your identity, you can face natural disasters with a bit more peace of mind and focus on what matters most.
Take the next step!
- Learn how IDShield can help protect the data and identities of you and your loved ones.
- Find out how how to freeze your credit if the need arises.
- Get answers to your frequently asked questions about IDShield.
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (“PPLSI”) provides access to legal and identity theft services through membership-based participation. IDShield is a product of PPLSI. All Licensed Private Investigators are licensed in the state of Oklahoma. The information available in this blog is meant to provide general information and is not intended to provide professional advice, render an option, or provide any specific recommendations. The blog post is not a substitute for competent and professional advice. Information contained in the blog may be provided by authors who could be third-party paid contributors. All information by authors is accepted in good faith; however, PPLSI makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of such information.
