NCDF Warns About Potential Fraud in Aftermath of Hurricane Ian

A warning to looters is painted on the side of a car destroyed during Hurricane Ian in Pine Island, Fla., on Oct. 3, 2022. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) has warned citizens that the extreme devastation caused by Hurricane Ian might provide grounds for “unscrupulous thieves” to defraud people.

Based on 200,000 historical complaints received by the NCDF, the agency provided a few examples of disaster-relief fraud that may target victims. Fake charities can solicit donations under the names of well-known organizations. Individuals impersonating insurance company representatives and government officials may look to collect money from potential victims in return for disaster assistance.

Criminals can use the opportunity to collect personal information like date of birth, bank account information, and social security numbers. Fraudsters can start soliciting victims to invest in non-existent ventures offering recovery efforts. Some individuals or entities may also begin to overcharge for goods and services that are critically needed by survivors.

“Fraudsters targeting individuals who are already suffering from the impact of Hurricane Ian is despicable and an inexcusable crime,” U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe Jr., who serves as the executive director of NCDF, said in an Oct. 7 press release by the Department of Justice.

NCDF also warned that survivors might be “frequently victimized” by theft of property from abandoned homes and businesses.

To avoid becoming a victim of disaster fraud, NCDF advised people not to engage in any phone call or email claiming to be from insurance companies, investment firms, or government officials. Instead, people should directly contact these individuals or entities through a “well-advertised” email address or phone call.

NCDF asked people to only make donations to known charities, also after contacting the charity directly. The agency advised citizens to donate using credit cards or checks rather than cash, avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails, and desist from transmitting donations to specifically named individuals.

Fraud Warnings, Looting

In addition to NCDF, other agencies have also issued warnings about scams in the aftermath of hurricane Ian.

In a Sept. 28 update, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) asked people to only donate to charities with a proven track record of dealing with disasters and exercise caution when donating to individuals on crowdfunding websites.

In a consumer alert published on Sept. 30, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein asked people to report instances of price gouging—excessive prices charged on goods and services—to his office.

The AG also warned people to be skeptical of any person who provides a limited-time assistance offer. “If an offer is only good ‘now or never,’ it’s probably not a good deal. Get recommendations from friends or neighbors and only do business with companies you trust or have vetted,” the alert said.

Officials from Lee County, Florida, had recently arrested and charged four people for allegedly looting the homes of Hurricane Ian victims.