By Sonya Sellmeyer, Consumer Advocacy Officer for the Iowa Insurance Division
As Iowans continue to rebuild from storms, it is essential to stay vigilant about storm-related scams. Here are some common scams to watch out for:
FEMA Scams: Scammers may impersonate Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representatives and ask for personal information and account numbers. If a FEMA representative comes to your home for an inspection, check their official FEMA identification. If FEMA benefits were applied for in your name without your knowledge, call the FEMA fraud hotline at 866-720-5721 or send an email to StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov. Remember, FEMA does not charge for assistance. If you have any questions regarding a claim with FEMA, visit your local Disaster Recovery Center.
Contractor Scams: After a storm, unscrupulous contractors, also known as storm chasers, may offer to repair damage but then take the payment and disappear without doing the work. To prevent these types of scams, get more than one estimate. Don’t pay large up-front payments or give into pressure tactics. Always verify the contractor’s credentials, license, and check reviews. Get a written contract that details the type of work to be done, the schedule, and the payment arrangements. Don’t pay for any services with gift cards or virtual currency. If you are suspicious of a storm chaser scam call the Iowa Attorney General’s Office at 888-777-4590. If you feel a contractor is acting as an unlicensed public adjuster contact the Iowa Insurance Division at https://iid.iowa.gov/consumers/filing-complaints.
Charity Scams: Fake charities might appear after a disaster, claiming to collect donations for relief efforts. Research and donate to established and reputable organizations. Verify their legitimacy through watchdog organizations like Charity Navigator or GuideStar. Charity scams may be reported to the Iowa Attorney General’s Office.
Insurance Scams: Watch out for individuals or companies that claim they can expedite your insurance claim or promise large payouts for a fee. Always contact your insurance company directly and never share your policy details with unsolicited contacts. Remember to communicate directly with your insurance company and understand the settlement of your claim. Call the Iowa Insurance Division if you have questions at 877-955-1212 or 515-654-6600.
Phishing Phone Calls, Emails, and Texts: Scammers might call, send emails or texts pretending to be from official organizations, asking for donations or personal information such as bank or credit card account numbers. Don’t answer phone calls from unknown numbers, and don’t click on links in emails or text messages from unknown sources. Be cautious of any unsolicited communications, and verify their authenticity through official channels.
Identity Theft: You may be asked to give personal information during a disaster in order to obtain assistance. Protect yourself from identity theft by freezing your credit with all three credit bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.
If something seems too good to be true, or involves being pressured to act quickly, stop and double check by verifying the information through reliable sources. The Iowa Insurance Division is here to assist at 877-955-1212 or 515-654-6600.
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