Follow Rosalie Linkedin Facebook
Email Rosalie Email
Other
Aug 7, 2023

Natural Disasters and Scams

Sponsored Content provided by Rosalie Calarco - Associate State Director, Coastal Region, AARP

It seems like natural disaster season is never ending these days. With it being the height of hurricane season, now is a good time to remind ourselves that after Mother Nature moves out the criminal scammers tend to move in.
 
Following extreme weather events, dubious contractors and outright scammers descend on affected communities, offering quick, cheap fixes. They canvas neighborhoods in search of “work” that they may or may not even attempt to do. Many will specifically target older homeowners who they perceive as more likely to have savings. 
 
It’s safest to only trust contractors that you proactively reach out to. Also, regardless of who you are talking to, get written estimates and compare bids from multiple contractors before starting any work.  Finally, pay no more than a third of the total cost prior to the work beginning – and then only when materials arrive. 
 
Avoid Charity Scams
 
One of the things that often comes with all of the personal losses from a natural disaster are fake charities offering to help.
 
Americans contributed more than $485 billion to charity in 2021, according to the Giving USA Foundation’s annual report on U.S. philanthropy. That generosity can help a devastated family or community start to rebuild but it can also put someone at risk of unknowingly supporting criminal activity instead.
 
Here are three ways to avoid criminal charity scams. Rather than respond immediately to donation requests, do some research. Look up the charity on sites such as CharityNavigator.org or CharityWatch.org to make sure that it is legitimate and that much of the funds raised goes to the organization versus overhead.
 
Consider creating a (researched) list of charities you will support in the coming year and stick to the list. If other charities reach out, let them know you’ve made your giving plan but can consider them for your list the following year.
 
Also consider using a credit card when making your contribution — it’s easier to keep track of it, and if your card is misused, you have more loss protection than with other forms of payment. 
 
Be a fraud fighter!  If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. 
 
Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.

317
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Untitleddesign2

The Importance of Real Estate Appraisals

Steve Mitchell - Cape Fear REALTORS®
Jc300 dsc 2735

The Pie Chart of Deception

JC Lyle - Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry
2022052 75 142344351

Elevating Education for a Brighter Economic Future: NHCS Shines in Remarkable Academic Growth

Natalie English - Wilmington Chamber of Commerce

Trending News

'Landing That Big Fish': With $19M Land Purchase, Brunswick Officials Aim To Lure Employers

Emma Dill - Sep 19, 2023

A Local Landmark's Restoration Boosted By National Grant

Cece Nunn - Sep 18, 2023

CFCC Expands Apprenticeship Programs, Builds Employer Support Network

Jenny Callison - Sep 18, 2023

Green Named COO Of Boys & Girls Clubs Of Southeastern NC

Staff Reports - Sep 19, 2023

Coburn Assigned To Sales Of New Homes At Wyndwater

Staff Reports - Sep 19, 2023

In The Current Issue

At WilmingtonBiz Expo, Speakers To Share Viewpoints On Economy

On Oct. 5, WilmingtonBiz Expo participants in the keynote lunch can hear UNCW’s regional economist Mouhcine Guettabi, and Tom Barkin, presid...


MADE Winner: Supporter Business Category

HR company works to provide other companies with human resources solutions....


MADE Winners: Exporter Category

Valves, fishing equipment and tactical gear make the list...

Book On Business

The 2023 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2023 Power Breakfast: Major Developments