As Hurricane Milton threatens Florida’s coast, government agencies are raising alarms about scams targeting both hurricane survivors and those offering aid. This warning comes on the heels of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which left widespread destruction across several states and resulted in over 200 deaths.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have both issued guidance to help protect people from fraudulent schemes in the wake of these hurricanes. Scammers are attempting to exploit vulnerable individuals during this crisis, a pattern often seen after natural disasters.
Fraudulent Charities and Relief Scams
The FTC highlighted the risk of fake charities, noting that scammers frequently create organizations mimicking the names of legitimate disaster relief groups. These fraudsters prey on the good intentions of those seeking to donate, diverting funds meant for recovery efforts.
Additionally, scammers impersonating government officials are offering disaster relief in exchange for personal information or upfront payments. The FTC emphasized that FEMA never requires fees for assistance, and anyone requesting payment for such services is likely engaging in a scam.
“Only scammers will insist you pay for services by wire transfer, gift card, payment app, cryptocurrency, or in cash,” the FTC warned. The agency urged people to verify any charity’s legitimacy before donating and to be cautious when hiring contractors for repairs.
Cybersecurity Threats
CISA has also flagged an increase in cyber-related scams tied to hurricanes. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, fraudulent emails and social media messages have proliferated, often containing malicious links or attachments. These scams typically capitalize on the chaos following a disaster, enticing recipients with promises of relief or investment opportunities related to rebuilding.
Stephen Kowski, CTO at SlashNext Email Security, noted that his family in Tampa Bay has been targeted by voice phishing scams. “We see an uptick in scams after these events as bad actors exploit the situation. After Helene, it was rampant, and I expect it will be no different following Milton,” he said.
Physical Scams: Looters and Unlicensed Contractors
In addition to digital threats, physical scams are also rampant. Criminals pose as unlicensed contractors offering repair services at inflated prices or make phony offers to buy flood-damaged homes at suspiciously low prices. In some cases, looters have been reported taking advantage of the vulnerable state of affected areas.
Proactive Measures and Warnings
Threat intelligence experts have already identified domains linked to fraudulent schemes targeting Hurricane Helene victims. Abu Qureshi, threat intelligence lead at BforeAI, reported that his team disrupted several suspicious domains to prevent potential victims from being targeted by scams.
Federal agencies, in response to both Hurricanes Helene and Milton, are urging people to exercise caution when interacting with any emails or messages related to the disasters. It is essential to ensure that all communications come from trusted sources before opening links or attachments.
Combatting Disinformation
In addition to battling scams, federal agencies are working to counter misinformation circulating online. The White House has reportedly assembled a team to address the disinformation spread in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has further complicated recovery efforts.
As Hurricane Milton continues its path toward Florida, the public is urged to stay vigilant against these scams. The FTC, CISA, and other agencies will continue to provide updates and guidance to help protect victims and ensure relief efforts reach those who need them most.
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