How to avoid falling victim to a hurricane-related scam [Video]

Hurricanes can cause widespread power outages and displace hundreds or thousands of people. People may be desperate for assistance as they recover from the storm’s damage.

Scammers often prey on vulnerable people in need of help after a hurricane batters their area, as well as others looking to help the storm’s victims.

Here are VERIFIED tips on how to spot a scam during hurricane season.

THE SOURCES

WHAT WE FOUND

Common hurricane-related scams and tactics

In the aftermath of a hurricane, scammers have been known to pose as officials who work for government disaster assistance agencies, like FEMA, insurance companies, or building contractors, all of our sources say. They also pretend to be representatives of charities seeking donations for disaster relief or people asking for help …