Victims and donors warned to stay vigilant against fire-related scams
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning both fire victims and those seeking help in the aftermath of Southern California’s devastating wildfires to stay vigilant against “fire chasers” and fraudulent charities.
“Fire chasers target fire victims by offering bogus services such as assistance with insurance claims, cleanup, or rebuilding,” the nonprofit organization stated in a news release.
The BBB said the scammers often impersonate legitimate businesses or government agencies.
“Meanwhile, fraudulent charities are preying on those wishing to donate to relief efforts,” the news release stated.
The BBB provided the following tips for fire victims to avoid these scams:
- Who to Watch out for: Scammers who prey on victims may include shady lawyers, contractors, and consultants, as well as people impersonating legitimate businesses and government agencies.
- Resist High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Scammers often show up unexpectedly or call with offers of “limited-time” deals. Always take a business card and check the company’s information (vehicle signage, phone number, license #). Don’t feel compelled to rush into making decisions.
- Do Your Research: Find businesses you can trust on BBB.org and check relevant government agencies (e.g., California Contractor’s State License Board) for credentials. Also, ask for references from friends or your insurance company.
- Know How to Spot Imposters: Be wary of anyone asking for money to help with FEMA applications or other government assistance. FEMA doesn’t charge a fee to process disaster relief applications.
The BBB provided the following tips for those who want to help to avoid these scams:
- Practice Safe Giving: After a disaster, scammers often create fake donation websites, social media campaigns, and crowdfunding pages that mimic legitimate relief efforts. Using emotional appeals, they pressure people to donate quickly, sometimes impersonating well-known charities or individuals in need.
- Verify Charities: Always research a charity before donating and remember that scammers can create incredibly convincing fake charity websites or social media pages to collect donations. Verify charities via BBB Wise Giving Alliance (Give.org), Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org), or FEMA’s Volunteer and Donate page (fema.gov).
- Donate Directly: Avoid unsolicited donation requests on social media or via email and donate only using the charity’s official website.
- Use Credit Cards: Credit cards offer added protection against fraud. Do not send cash or use payment apps like Venmo or CashApp for donations.
The BBB urged the public to report scams, as well as any suspicious activity, to the BBB Scam Tracker.