Last updated: March 2026. This guide covers the six most documented categories of post-crisis criminal activity affecting U.S. survivors. It does not cover international emergency schemes or pre-event cons targeting donors before a catastrophe declaration.
Every major natural catastrophe triggers two waves of destruction. The first is the storm, flood, or fire itself. The second is the surge of criminal activity that follows within hours. Bad actors study emergency declarations the way investors study earnings reports — they move fast, target survivors who are displaced and overwhelmed, and prey on the chaos before anyone can mount a defense.
Federal organizations including the FCC and the FBI issue warnings after every major calamity because the patterns repeat without fail. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, in 2024 alone IC3 received more than 4,500 complaints reporting approximately $96 million in losses to fraudulent charities, crowdfunding accounts, and disaster relief campaigns. Fake government officials who pose as relief workers, phony builders, and bogus charities flood affected areas with deceptive offers of help. The six schemes covered below represent the most dangerous threats survivors face, drawn from documented enforcement actions by the Department of Justice, FTC, and state attorneys general. Recognizing them is the most effective first line of defense.
Fake FEMA or Government Disaster Assistance Scams
Con artists posing as federal relief agents or other government assistance workers show up at shelters, debris fields, and doorsteps within days of a major event. Their goal is to harvest personal information — Social Security numbers, bank account details, insurance policy numbers — or to collect bogus fees for processing relief applications.
The core rule: the federal emergency management agency never charges application fees. No legitimate government assistance program requires upfront payment of any kind. When someone claiming to be a government official arrives unannounced, ask for identification — specifically, ask for identification including the issuing office name. Real federal and state emergency workers carry official credentials and will not object to confirmation.
Bogus registration tables have appeared in affected zones following storms and wildfires. After the 2022 Ian storm in Florida, the Department of Justice brought charges against individuals who set up deceptive relief registration tables in communities there, collecting Social Security numbers and bank routing numbers from survivors. Fake Small Business Administration loan officers have cold-called survivors offering expedited approval in exchange for a processing fee. Any unexpected visit or call from an imposter claiming to register you for benefits should be treated as a red flag until their identity and office affiliation are independently confirmed at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Phony Repair and Contractor Scams After Storms
After every major storm, unlicensed workers fan out across affected zones offering fast, cheap repairs. These "storm chasers" go door to door, target visibly damaged homes, and pressure anxious homeowners to sign agreements on the spot. Many demand large upfront cash payments — then vanish before completing any work, or perform repairs so shoddy they cause additional damage.
How Storm Chasers and Fraudsters Prey on Homeowners
The Federal Trade Commission has documented that repair-related misconduct is consistently among the top categories of post-event complaint types filed after major storms. Following the Harvey storm in Texas, state authorities received hundreds of contractor-related complaints in the first 30 days, resulting in multiple license revocations and criminal referrals. These are not isolated cases — the same pattern repeats in every affected zone. As David Glawe, President and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, stated: "Disasters can bring out the best in people as they rush to help those in need. Unfortunately, disasters can also attract predatory contractors looking to defraud and deceive disaster victims" (NICB). That is why the FTC and the Better Business Bureau issue service provider warnings within the first 48 hours of a major event declaration.
Before you hire anyone for repair work, confirm their license through your state licensing board. Most states publish searchable license databases online at no cost. Require proof of insurance before work begins — a legitimate service provider carries both liability coverage and workers' compensation, and will provide documentation without hesitation.
Always get a written contract that specifies the full scope of work, total cost, materials to be used, and a completion timeline. Pay by check or credit card rather than cash, which creates a record and gives you dispute options. Legitimate tradespeople do not pressure homeowners at the door immediately after a calamity. Unwanted visits paired with high-pressure tactics and cash-only demands are reliable signs of a con.
Fake Charities and Donation Scams Exploiting Disaster Relief
Con artists create fake charities within hours of a major emergency, often using names nearly identical to well-known relief organizations. After the Harvey storm in 2017, authorities identified dozens of deceptive domains and social media pages soliciting donations under names that closely mimicked established groups. Those who create phony nonprofits repeat this pattern after every fire, earthquake, and flood. As Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr warned: "Unfortunately, con artists will try to take advantage of those impacted by a weather-related disaster or individuals looking to donate to their neighbors in need" (Georgia AG Consumer Alert).
The FBI and FTC have both issued repeated warnings that bogus charity schemes cost American donors hundreds of millions of dollars annually, with emergency-linked operations representing a fast-growing share. Following major declared events, AARP's Fraud Watch Network issues public alerts warning that bad actors specifically target older donors who are more likely to give by phone or check. State attorneys general in California, Florida, and Texas have brought enforcement actions against illegal relief operations within weeks of major crises — in some cases, within days.
Common tactics include social media posts with embedded donation links, crowdfunding pages on legitimate platforms that misrepresent how relief funds will be used, and unwanted phone or email solicitations that pressure donors to give immediately. Ask for or accept money only through traceable payment methods — any organization that demands payment via gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency should be avoided, since no legitimate charity requests payment those ways. If friends and family to help you vet a charity can't find any registered information about it, that alone is a warning sign.
Before you donate, check that the charity is registered in your state and holds active 501(c)(3) status. The IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search at apps.irs.gov allows anyone to confirm nonprofit status by name or employer identification number. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, and the National Association of State Charity Officials — also known as the Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO) — all maintain searchable registries of vetted relief groups. Checking these sources before giving takes under five minutes and dramatically reduces risk.
Insurance and Claims Fraud Targeting Disaster Survivors
Bad actors treat every catastrophe declaration as a chance to take advantage of the claims process. Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King put it plainly: "Criminals know potential victims are at their most vulnerable after a natural disaster, which is why it's important to be on guard against insurance-related scams immediately following a loss. Never pay upfront for services, only use trusted providers, and speak to your insurance company before signing any contracts for repairs done to your home" (Georgia AG Consumer Alert). Two schemes are common. First, dishonest "public adjusters" promise to maximize your payout, then inflate the claim illegally — leaving the insured facing criminal liability. Second, strangers posing as an insurance investigator pressure homeowners to sign documents that secretly transfer claim rights to a builder.
This "assignment of benefits" (AOB) scheme strips policyholders of control over their own coverage. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has tracked significant AOB-related litigation spikes following major storm declarations, particularly across Gulf Coast and Southeast states, prompting multiple state legislatures to pass AOB reform laws. Despite those reforms, authorities continue to identify AOB schemes in newly declared emergency zones. Contact your insurance provider directly using the number on your policy — not a number a stranger provides. Ask any adjuster to show credentials; authenticate those with their office before you trust them. Document all damage with timestamped photos before cleanup begins. Filing a false claim is a crime that can void coverage entirely. When criminal activity is suspected, report it to your insurance provider's special investigations unit immediately.
Phone and Phishing Scams That Spread Malware After Disasters
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) warns that phone schemes spike after every major emergency. Con artists launch phishing attacks via robocalls, smishing texts, and fake emails mimicking government relief offices. A typical message asks you to call a phone number or click a link to "confirm your information."
Clicking those links can spread malware or harvest your personal information — Social Security numbers, bank credentials, or card details. Opening an attachment in an unexpected relief email carries the same risk. The FBI's IC3 has reported that phishing campaigns tied to specific emergency declarations have grown increasingly sophisticated, with criminals registering domain names containing terms like "relief" and the name of the specific storm within hours of a declaration. Real authorities never initiate contact this way — a government entity might call you, but it will never ask you to pay fees or share sensitive data over an unexpected call. Watch for suspicious social media posts sharing "emergency relief" links. If you receive a suspicious text or call, go to the official .gov site directly and report the contact at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.
Price Gouging and Utility Scams During Wildfire and Disaster Recovery
After a weather event or major fire, bad actors take advantage of severe recovery chaos before rebuilding even begins. Price gouging — inflated charges for generators, water, fuel, or shelter — is among the fastest-spreading crimes in weather-related emergencies. AARP's Fraud Watch Network has documented cases where essential goods sold for two to four times normal retail price in affected communities within 48 hours of a declared emergency. These perpetrators prey on the vulnerability of displaced residents, betting that desperate people will pay any price. Most states activate anti-price-gouging laws at the moment of a declared emergency. As California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated: "State and local law enforcement across California will continue to use the full force of the law to go after people who illegally price gouge" (California AG Consumer Alert). Report violations to your state attorney general.
Utility impersonation runs a parallel scheme. A con artist claims to restore power or water service for an upfront cash fee, then vanishes. Real utility crews never collect cash at the door. Bad actors prey on homeowners who have no quick way to validate the claim. The FTC recommends calling your utility company's official number — found on a prior paper bill or the utility's official website, never from a number provided by an unannounced visitor — before allowing anyone access or paying anything. Being wary of anyone who shows up uninvited and demands immediate payment is the simplest protection.
How to Avoid Scams After Severe Weather: A Practical Guide
After severe weather, a few consistent habits provide a strong layer of protection. These recommendations are consistent with guidance issued by the FTC, the FBI, the FCC, and consumer protection advocates at AARP — organizations that collectively track thousands of post-event cases each year. Follow this checklist before trusting anyone offering help:
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Verify identity first. Ask every government worker, adjuster, or service provider to show a photo ID badge. Contact the issuing office directly using a number from the official website — not one handed to you at the door. Always ask for identification before allowing access to your property.
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Demand written contracts. No legitimate repair company refuses to put scope and price in writing before starting work.
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Pay by credit card, never cash. Credit card charges are disputable; cash and wire transfers are not.
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Use only .gov sites. Government offices post real aid resources at official .gov addresses. Avoid links from texts or social media.
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Report everything. Call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721, file with the FBI at ic3.gov, or submit a complaint to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reporting — even if you were not victimized — helps authorities warn others and prosecute offenders.
Why Reporting Weather-Related Disaster Scams Matters
One common mistake survivors make is waiting to report suspicious activity until they are certain a crime occurred. Law enforcement including the FBI explicitly encourage reporting any suspicious contact — incomplete or uncertain reports still help authorities identify patterns and active criminal rings operating in an affected zone. Every report, even a brief one, contributes to the enforcement data that organizations use to issue public alerts and pursue prosecutions.
Criminal activity is not limited to the immediate aftermath of a storm. Perpetrators resurface year-round whenever a new emergency is declared, so treat every unexpected offer as a red flag until it is confirmed. Check with your local emergency management office for vetted service provider lists and legitimate relief organizations before signing anything or handing over money. Every step you take through the complaint center and official channels makes it harder for the next bad actor to find a victim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Disaster Fraud
How can donors protect themselves from charity scams after a major emergency?
Before you donate, search the organization by name on BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, or your state charity registry. Never give via gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency — those payment methods are preferred by con artists precisely because they cannot be reversed.
What should you look for before donating to an emergency relief charity?
Confirm the charity has a published mission, transparent financials, and verifiable contact information. Look up its 501(c)(3) status on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search at apps.irs.gov — any legitimate relief organization registered in the U.S. will appear there.
How do you verify if a charity is legitimate?
Search the organization's EIN on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search and check its rating on Charity Navigator. You can also verify registration with state charity officials through NASCO (National Association of State Charity Officials) at nasconet.org.
What are the warning signs of a phony charity or con artist after a storm?
Watch for pressure to donate immediately, vague mission statements, names nearly identical to well-known relief organizations, and requests for cash-only payment. Weather-related schemes involving phony charities often surface within hours of an emergency declaration, so urgency is itself a red flag.
Stay Vigilant: Scammers Strike When Disaster Victims Are Most Vulnerable
Survivors face threats on every front: bad actors posing as federal relief agents, dishonest contractors, phony charities, corrupt adjusters, phishing attacks, price gougers, and fake utility workers. Each of these post-catastrophe schemes preys on the same vulnerability — urgency and confusion in the wake of a crisis.
This guide covers the six best-documented categories based on federal enforcement records and official guidance, but no single resource captures every variant criminals deploy. When in doubt, stop, confirm through official channels, and report the contact. Weather-related schemes will not stop, but awareness is the most reliable defense against post-crisis deception. Trust no unsolicited offer. Verify every credential. Report every suspicious contact. The six scheme types covered here follow predictable patterns, which means you can recognize them before they cause harm.
Bookmark this page and share it before the next hurricane season or major weather event. Knowing how these operations work is the first step toward not becoming a victim.