Hurricane Helene Recovery Scams
From the Federal Trade Commission:
Nobody knows how long it’ll take to recover from the devastating flooding and destruction of Hurricane Helene. But we do know it won’t be long before scammers try to cash in on the storm. As you’re working to get back on your feet, learn how scammers operate — and how to avoid them.
Here are a few ways that scammers might try to take your money or personal information after Hurricane Helene:
- Spot imposter scams. Scammers might pretend to be someone “official” like safety inspectors, or someone from government. But anyone asking you for your money or personal information right away is a scammer. Don’t give them money. Ask for identification and verify who you are dealing with. Click here for more information on imposter scams.
- Spot FEMA impersonators charging application fees. If someone asks you for money to help you qualify for FEMA funds, it’s a scam. That’s not how FEMA works. Instead, once you have service, download the FEMA Mobile App to get alerts and information.
- Spot home improvement and debris removal scams. Unlicensed contractors and scammers may appear in recovery zones with promises of quick repairs or clean-up services. Walk away if they demand cash payments up front, or refuse to give you copies of their license, insurance, and a contract in writing. Click here for more information on weather and natural disaster scams.
Check out resources for Hurricane Helene from FEMA here.
Is it paying bills on time, robust savings, retirement fund, affording a new car? Whatever financial health means to you, it starts with getting your finances in order. It’s easy to think that keeping track of your account balances is all you need to do to stay on top of your finances. But that is […]
Learn More About What Does Financial Health Mean to You?Homeownership is the American Dream. It’s a significant step towards building wealth, but people across the country are struggling to purchase a home because of limited homes for sale, prices are high, and the Fed is raising interest rates. However, homeownership is not a lost dream – it’s a long-term investment. Here’s how you can […]
Learn More About 5 Tips for Home BuyersDo You Practice Safe Checks? It should come as easily as airline safety, so buckle up for this one. Despite the fact that check use has declined by 25%, reports of check fraud have soared. In fact, they’ve nearly doubled since 2021. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated and finding new ways to steal your financial […]
Learn More About Practice Safe ChecksProtect Yourself from Scammers According to a recent alert to banks from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, part of the Treasury Department, criminals have been increasingly targeting the U.S. Mail and United States Postal Service mail carriers since the COVID-19 pandemic to commit check fraud. Criminals typically steal personal checks, business checks, tax refund checks, […]
Learn More About Check Theft & FraudWatch Out for Election-Themed Scams In this week’s scam, cybercriminals are taking advantage of the upcoming United States elections to try and steal your personal information and money. The scams vary slightly and involve fake text messages, social media posts, phone calls, and more. Cybercriminals use AI to make these phishing attempts even more convincing. […]
Learn More About IT Regulatory Compliance SecurityTimely Topics: FCC Fines Major U.S. Wireless Carriers for Selling Customer Location Data The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today levied fines totaling nearly $200 million against the four major carriers — including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon — for illegally sharing access to customers’ location information without consent. From “krebsonsecurity.com” (4/29/24) Addressing the Deep […]
Learn More About IT Regulatory Compliance SecurityWe're here to help you. Visit our Help Center to find important information and frequently asked questions.
Visit Help CenterReady to make the switch? Open a new account with South Atlantic Bank.
Open an Account Now