SUMMER 2023
Suncoast SENIOR and CAREGIVER Newsletter SCAM SEASON
Unfortunately, disasters like hurricanes or major storms tend to bring out scammers. Here are some common storm-related scams to look out for and avoid.
INSURANCE SCAMS Insurance scams are prevalent after a storm passes. Since so many people have hurricane-related claims, scammers may call and pretend to be your insurance company. Do not give personal information, policy information, or any payment without making sure that you are speaking to the legitimate company. If needed, hang up and call your insurance company directly. Sometimes people pose as contractors and reach out after a hurricane with a promise to make repairs. They might come door to door or call, and they will likely ask for some money upfront. Once they get cash or trick you into sharing personal details, they disappear without fixing a thing. Make sure that any repair work is done by a legitimate contractor that you’ve researched and vetted.
CHARITY SCAMS
3 TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND
After a major storm, it’s hard to see so many people in need. Many people make donations during these hard times in hopes of helping their communities get through the aftermath of the storm.
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ALWAYS VERIFY LEGITIMACY. Whether it’s insurance, a contractor, a charity, or a financial institution, you want to make sure they are who they say they are.
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O NOT OPEN SUSPICIOUS EMAILS OR CLICK D SUSPICIOUS LINKS. Never click on any suspicious links or open any unexpected attachments. Scammers often use email or texting for phishing attacks and to spread malware.
Scammers are aware of this and will sometimes use these emotional times to create fake charities or do phishing attempts while posing as real charities. If you’re moved to donate, make sure it’s a trusted organization. Go to the organization’s website directly or verify legitimacy using the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, GuideStar, Charity Watch, or Charity Navigator.
VERIFY ALL PHONE NUMBERS. When someone calls about a claim, a donation, your accounts, or any other thing that requires personal information, hang up and call them directly with a phone number you receive from their official website.
FAKE LOAN SCAMS Scammers may also pretend to be from or working with financial institutions. They reach out to people using social media or email and pretend that they can get you approved for an emergency loan or similar type of relief. Do not give out your personal information and never apply for a “loan” unless it is directly from your financial institution.
Remember, similar scams can go beyond hurricane season. Scammers may impersonate businesses like Amazon or Microsoft, or organizations like the FBI or your financial institution. Romance scams, sweepstakes scams, and phishing attempts also happen all year round, so stay alert.
Learn more about how to protect yourself at suncoastcreditunion.com/blog.