How scammers are already preying on Helene victims

• Power: There’s good news and bad news about outages in CSRA
• Update: A week after Helene, here’s the situation in Augusta
• Water: Augusta boil order could be lifted in ‘hours, not days’
• Relief: FEMA is ready to write checks after Helene. Here’s how to get one
• Restrictions: Curfews easing in some places, including Augusta
• Deaths: CSRA’s toll from Helene rises to 25, including 5 young kids

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Severe weather means likely storm damage, and just as common as fallen trees or damaged homes are scammers who try to make a dollar during a time of disaster.

‘Never pay cash’

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs said just because it hasn’t happened to you yet doesn’t mean it never will.

“Never pay cash upfront for anything,” said Carri Lybarker with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs.

Lybaker said scamming happens all the time, but even more so after a natural disaster.

The department ed several other state and federal agencies urging homeowners to be cautious while looking for help.

“If someone is saying we need your social, we need you to your payment for something, if someone is asking you to pay for government services or to get your electricity cut off even though it was turned off because of the disaster, that also is a common scam that we see,” said Lybarker.

MORE FROM NEWS 12:

• Food, water and other relief: Where to get it across the CSRA
• Acts of kindness: Help flows in after Hurricane Helene
• Shelters: Where to go if Helene impacted you in the CSRA
• List: School, closures and reopening plans after Helene

When looking for a contractor, the South Carolina Department of Insurance said to make sure the company is legitimate.

You can do this by checking complaints or online sources like the Better Business Bureau.

Fraudsters and scam artists arrive quickly and can even come from out of town to take advantage of people in vulnerable situations.

“They are going to make it too good to be true, and just if its too good to be true it probably is, so if someone offers you an unbelievable price, you better check it out,” said Foster.

FEMA scams

In a press conference Monday, Gov. Henry McMaster spoke about FEMA scams.

He said one of the most important things to know about FEMA is that it doesn’t certify contractors.

This means any company claiming to be FEMA certified is lying.

Additionally, Lybarker said while artificial intelligence can be helpful it also comes with a warning, so be mindful of phone calls and emails.

“Because if they can make it so the person sounds even more like their loved ones sound like, then certainly it would make it easier for someone to fall victim to it,” said Lybarker.

Key things to know

• Scammers may go door to door to target residents in areas affected by hurricanes. They may also call, text, or email with promises to quickly provide aid. Do not give out personal information without confirming the legitimacy of the person ing you.
• Government workers are required to carry official identification and show it if requested. Closely scrutinize any ID you see and call the agency directly to confirm a worker’s identity if you are unsure.
• Do your homework when it comes to donations. Research charity reviews online, state regulators of charities, and charity reports and ratings via the Better Business Bureau.
• Never make charitable donations by gift card or wire transfer. Credit cards are safer.
• Don’t believe your caller ID. Scammers often spoof agency phone numbers. It is always best to research the organization telephone number and call direct to . Do not be pressured or rushed to donate. If so, it may be a scam.
• Do not click on links from sources you don’t know. These could be attempts to viruses onto your computer or cell phone. Manually type out links instead of clicking on them.

Here are some examples of common complaints:

• Fake charities soliciting donations either using the names of well-known charities or appearing to be related to the disaster.
• Scammers impersonating government officials, offering disaster relief in exchange for personal information or money.
• Individuals posing as insurance provider representatives to collect payments or personal information.
• Fraudsters promising expedient home repairs requiring upfront or partial payment.
• Price-gouging for goods and services needed by victims of disaster.
• Take these measures to protect yourself from disaster fraud:
• Donate only to well-known charities after ing them through trusted sources.
• Do not respond to unsolicited requests for donations via email, phone, or text, and do not click on links in unsolicited messages.
• Do not assume that online or social media charity solicitations are legitimate.
• Use credit cards or checks for donations. Don’t send cash, or use wire transfers or mobile payment apps.
• that government agencies and legitimate organizations will never ask for money or personal information via phone or email.
• Beware of contractors who knock on your door or make unsolicited , and/or make promises that sound too good to be true.
• Cautiously rely on recommendations from family and friends.
• Do not be forced into making repair decisions by a high-pressure contractor.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.