Recognize an FTC Impersonator

Scammers know natural disasters create opportunities to take advantage of people. One way they do that is by impersonating Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials to steal people’s money and personal information. FEMA impersonators often show up, call, or text people after a weather emergency and offer services like disaster grants or home inspections for a fee, usually cash up front. But these are scams: FEMA doesn’t charge people for disaster assistance.

After a long search, you’ve got that new job. You can’t wait to share the good news on social media, but as you’re shouting it from the virtual rooftop, know this: it’s not only friends and colleagues who’ll get the alert. Scammers are watching, too — and they might use the update to target you.

In response to the devastating flash flooding in central Texas, many are looking for ways to get and give help. And scammers are looking to prey on people’s generosity. So how can you make sure your donations go to the people who need them and not to a scammer?