As Iowa residents continue to rebuild after the storms, it’s important to remain vigilant against storm-related scams. Here are some common scams to watch out for:
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FEMA Fraud: Scammers may pose as representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and ask for personal information and account numbers. If a FEMA representative comes to your home for an inspection, check their official FEMA identification. If FEMA benefits have been applied for in your name without your knowledge, call the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or email [email protected]. Remember that FEMA does not charge for assistance. If you have questions about a FEMA claim, contact your local Disaster Recovery Center.
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Contractor fraud: After a storm, unscrupulous contractors, also called storm chasers, may offer to repair damage but then take payment and disappear without doing the work. To avoid this type of scam, get more than one estimate. Don’t pay large upfront payments or give in to pressure tactics. Always check the contractor’s references. Licenseand check reviews. Get a written contract that outlines the type of work to be done, the timeline, and payment terms. Do not pay for services with gift cards or virtual currency. If you suspect a storm chaser is cheating, call the Iowa Attorney General’s Office at 888-777-4590. If you believe a contractor is acting as non-authorized public claims adjuster Contact the Iowa Insurance Division at https://iid.iowa.gov/consumers/filing-complaints.
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Charity fraud: After a disaster, fake charities may pop up claiming to collect donations for relief efforts. Do your research and donate to established and reputable organizations. Verify their legitimacy through watchdog organizations like Charity Navigator or GuideStar. Charity fraud can be reported to the Office of the Attorney General of Iowa.
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Insurance fraud: Beware of people or companies claiming they can expedite your insurance claim or promising large payouts for a fee. Always contact your insurance company directly and never give your insurance details to unsolicited contacts. Remember to communicate directly with your insurance company and understand the settlement of your claim. Call the Iowa Insurance Department If you have any questions, call 877-955-1212 or 515-654-6600.
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Phishing calls, emails and SMS: Fraudsters could call, send emails or SMS Pretend to be an employee of an official organization and ask for donations or personal information such as bank or credit card numbers. Do not answer calls from unknown numbers or click on links in emails or text messages from unknown sources. Be cautious of unsolicited messages and verify their authenticity through official channels.
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Identity theft: In the event of a disaster, you may be asked to provide personal information to receive assistance. Protect yourself from identity theft by Freezing your credit with all three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian.
If something sounds too good to be true, or you feel pressured to act quickly, stop and double-check the information with reliable sources. The Iowa Insurance Division is here to help at 877-955-1212 or 515-654-6600.
