Authorities warn of scams in wake of Helene

Multiple federal agencies have warned of scams in the wake of the destruction of Hurricane Helene.

“The impact of disasters affecting our citizens are not just from the events themselves, but also from fraudsters who take advantage of disaster victims and good-hearted people who want to help those affected,” U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina Sandra J. Hairston said in a press release Monday.

“These criminals take advantage of victims before, during, and after a natural disaster strikes, targeting people when they are most vulnerable, and their methods to commit fraud are wide-ranging,” Hairston continued. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina advised people to take actions, including not presuming “that charity solicitations posted on the internet and social media are legitimate” and to not “click on a link in an unsolicited email, instant message, text, etc.”

The effects of Hurricane Helene have hit the southeastern U.S. hard, most notably in western North Carolina. At least 175 people have been killed as a result of the storm. On Wednesday, President Biden directed the Department of Defense to send up to 1,000 soldiers to areas affected by Helene for food, water and supply distribution.

In its Monday press release, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) told residents of Florida they “should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after Hurricane Helene.”

“In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from people affected by the disaster,” the release said.

FEMA also said “Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews, housing inspectors and other officials will be working in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene,” and that those people “carry official photo identification badges.”

“FEMA representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications,” the release continued. ”Their services are free.”

The Federal Trade Commission listed in a Tuesday alert for consumers what it said “are a few ways that scammers might try to take your money or personal information after Hurricane Helene,” including the possibility of scammers impersonating officials “like safety inspectors, or someone from government.”