08/17/2026
Good information to keep in mind as recovery from last week's flooding continues. Stay vigilant - many scammers use disasters and a sense of urgency to take advantage of victims. Remember to only use trusted communication methods and never share usernames, passwords, or authentication codes online or over phone/text. Stay tuned for more security tips in coming days. 🔒
Scammers often target communities after disasters, posing as government officials, contractors or charities. Common scams include fake contractors, FEMA impersonators, bogus charities, debris‑removal scams and rental scams.
Do not give money to anyone claiming to work for a government entity.
Protect yourself: Ask for ID, verify credentials, research charities and never pay in full upfront. Don’t share personal or financial information at the door, and don’t assume a logo or badge is legitimate.
Get more preparedness tips at in.gov/dhs/get-prepared/general-safety/scams.