Looting / scams

Although there is usually an outpouring of support and generosity from the public after a tragedy, unethical businesses and individuals may also emerge to try to take advantage of those recovering.

Looting

If you encounter a looter, you should leave the area and not attempt to interact with the looter(s). You should report the looter and address to the designated non-emergency number.

Do not call 911 unless you are in a life-threatening situation. During an emergency, it is important to keep the 911 phone lines and dispatchers available for life-threatening emergencies and first-responders.

Scams

Contractor scams

Contractor and construction fraud may occur as part of the recovery efforts following the disaster. As a result of increased demand for construction workers, many unlicensed contractors may seek out work or try to extract a greater deposit than they are authorized by law to collect.

Check the Contractor’s State Licensing Board website to make sure the contractor you hire is licensed, insured, bonded and they have the appropriate specialty license if required. Contracting without a license is a crime and enhanced penalties are provided for contracting without a license during a state of emergency. Reports of unlicensed contractors can also be made on the CSLB website.

To avoid construction fraud, watch out for these additional red flags:

A worker shows up to your door, unsolicited and without identification, offering deals that are “too good to be true” with leftover materials. Check the identification of any construction or utility worker that comes to your door unsolicited, and do not let anyone into your home unless they have an appointment.
High-pressure sales tactics. Do not be pressured to act immediately or pay in cash up front. Scammers will try to make you think something is a scarce or limited time offer.
Do not make deals with a handshake. Make sure to get a written contract from anyone you hire. It should specify work to be done, materials to be used, and the price for both labor and materials. Do not sign a blank contract, and keep a paper trail.
Contractor claims to be FEMA-certified, asks for any personal information or does not appear to have a permanent place of business.

Donation scams

Not all charities are good. It is common for “charities” to emerge after a disaster to take advantage of the kindness of donors. The following Better Business Bureau tips will help you donate wisely to those affected by the disaster:

Be cautious when giving online. If you want to give to a charity involved in relief efforts, go directly to the charity’s website.
Find out if the charity has an on-the-ground presence in the impacted areas.
Gifts of clothing, food or other in-kind donations may not be the quickest way to help those in need – unless the organization has the staff and infrastructure to distribute such aid properly. Ask the charity about its transportation and distribution plans, and be wary of those who are not experienced in disaster relief assistance.
Crowdfunding websites can do a lot of good for individuals and families affected by the disaster, but do your homework before contributing. If the organizer of the site is not responsive or not willing to offer a lot of detail, that is a red flag. If you do decide to contribute to relief efforts via crowdfunding, it is probably best to give to people who you personally know that have posted requests for assistance.

Healthcare scams

In the aftermath of a medical emergency or a disaster, a scammer may contact you asking for updates to your personal information to ensure continuity of health insurance or to issue you a new insurance card, offers for free medical equipment or services or posing as a health insurance or medical professional threatening fines if you do not purchase health insurance in the wake of the disaster.

Do not be fooled if the scammer is supposedly calling from a government agency, known insurance provider or nearby hospital. Do not share any personal information with any individual that has contacted you unsolicited.

If you become a victim of a scam, report it to the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker, the local police non-emergency number or consider posting your experience to social media to warn others. Do not call 911 unless you are in a life-threatening emergency.