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MODERATE THREAT · Disaster-Related Fraud

Protecting Yourself from Disaster-Related Scams

Following natural disasters, scammers frequently exploit victims by posing as government officials, fake charities, or fraudulent contractors to steal money and personal information.

10/4/2026Social MediaEmailTelephoneText Messaging

Warning signs

  • Requests for fees to qualify for government disaster relief or FEMA assistance
  • Charities that appear overnight or lack a proven track record
  • Unsolicited social media messages requesting donations
  • Pressure to provide personal information or financial details immediately
  • Demands for payment via unconventional methods

What you should do

  • Verify the legitimacy of any charity at ftc.gov/charity before donating
  • Report suspected disaster fraud to local law enforcement or the FEMA fraud email at StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov
  • Never pay a fee to receive government disaster relief
  • Confirm donation phone numbers directly on the official charity website
  • Report identity theft or scams to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov or reportfraud.ftc.gov
During and after natural disasters, fraudulent activity often increases as criminals attempt to capitalize on the vulnerability of survivors. Common tactics include impersonating government agencies like FEMA to solicit fees for relief services, creating fake charities that appear overnight to solicit donations, and engaging in price gouging. Scammers may also attempt to steal personal information to commit identity theft. Official agencies, including the FTC and FEMA, emphasize that legitimate government assistance is free and that donors should verify the legitimacy of any charity before contributing.

Sources

https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/09/national-preparedness-month-plan-ahead-avoid-scamshttps://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260717/beware-disaster-fraudhttps://consumer.ftc.gov/media/79846https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/10/ftc-doj-cfpb-warn-consumers-about-potential-scams-price-gouging-wake-hurricanes-other-natural