Hurricane Scam, Price Gouging Targeted by Justice Department and Federal Agencies

Federal officials claim only scammers will ask for payments via wire transfer, gift card, payment app, cryptocurrency or cash during a natural disaster.

A Lee County Sheriff's officer patrols the streets of Cape Coral, Fla., on Oct. 9, 2024, as heavy rain falls ahead of Hurricane Milton. Marta Lavandier/AP Photo

A collective of federal agencies issued a warning as Hurricane Milton neared Florida’s western coast that any business or individual caught engaging in scams and price gouging would face the full force of the law.

In an Oct. 9 statement, the Justice Department (DOJ), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) warned consumers to be on high alert for possible bad actors during natural disasters.