Watch out for Scammers After Hurricane Michael

Gail DonaldsonHurricane Michael brought its punishing winds and storm surges before drenching the Panhandle of Florida and driving its way through Alabama and Georgia last week. Members of my own family were affected in Houston County and were without power for days. Even one of our own former Bond & Botes family members, Sara is in the heart of the disaster in Panama City dealing with the devastating damage to her hometown. We have much to be thankful for as they are all safe.

How to Make Sure You Don't Get Scammed

The clean-up from the damage will take months to years. The good in communities seems to rise out of such disasters who donate their time, skills and money. But that outpouring of generosity can also draw scammers looking to profit off good intentions. Here are some ways to stop scams and avoid them:

1. Research the Charity Beforehand

If you're going to donate, research the charity beforehand. The Better Business Bureau suggests using give.org to vet the charity to make sure your dollars go where the charity says they are going. You should avoid any charity that refuses to provide detailed information about its identity, mission, and how the donation will be used. They should provide you with proof that the contribution is tax deductible. Be wary if it uses a name that closely resembles that of a better-known, reputable organization.

2. Be Wary of Organizations Asking for Money Immediately

Be wary of any organization that asks you for money “RIGHT NOW”. You should put your guard up if the requests are aggressive and urgent. Senior citizens fall victim to these types of requests most often according to the Better Business Bureau. Be wary if donations are asked of you to wire money or pay in cash.

3. Research Contractors Before Hiring Them

If your home has been damaged, research the contractors before hiring them for repairs or cleanup.

“After natural disasters like Hurricanes Irma and Harvey, unlicensed contractors and scammers often come into the affected area promising immediate clean-up and debris removal. Some demand payment up-front for work they never do. Others simply lack the skills, licenses, and insurance to legally do the work,” the Federal Trade Commission wrote.

To protect yourself, the agency recommends asking to see licenses if the area requires them, taking down names, license plate numbers or any other identifying information, asking for references, getting an estimate and an official contract. Above all, “trust your gut,” the agency wrote.

4. Be Wary of Crowdfunding Campaigns

Be wary of crowdfunding campaigns. Sites like GoFundMe allow individuals to set up their own fundraising pages to raise money for hospital bills, supplies, repairs, or any other costs. But scammers sometimes post fraudulent campaigns on the site. The site urged users to investigate campaigns by checking who was running them, if family and friends were active, commenting or donating, and if the reason for the fundraiser was clear.

Contact a Trusted Bankruptcy Attorney Today

We continue to pray for those in Hurricane Michael’s path. If you need help with your finances after a natural disaster, please feel free to contact one of Bond & Botes offices for a free consultation.

Share This Page

Bond & Botes Law Offices

At Bond & Botes, we now offer full service bankruptcy consultation and filing over the phone or by video from the comfort and safety of your home or office. Please call 1-877-581-3396 or click here to setup your free phone or video consultation.

The lawyers at the Bond & Botes affiliated offices serve clients at offices in Anniston, Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery, Opelika, Decatur, Huntsville, Florence, Haleyville and Gadsden, Alabama; Vicksburg, Hattiesburg and Jackson, Mississippi. Read our disclaimer here. You can view our Privacy Policy here.

Alabama Offices

Birmingham

2107 5th Avenue North
Age-Herald Building
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Phone: (205) 802-2200


Shelby County Location
15 Southlake Lane, Ste 140
Birmingham, AL 35244
Phone: (205) 802-2200


Florence Location
121 S. Court Street
Florence, AL 35630
Phone: (256) 760-1010


Huntsville Location
225 Pratt Avenue NE
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 539-9899


Montgomery Location
311 Catoma Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 264-3363


Decatur Location
605 Bank Street
Decatur, AL 35601
Phone: (256) 355-2447


Haleyville Location
914 19th St.
Haleyville, AL 35565
Phone: (205) 486-3580


Gadsden Location
430-B Chestnut Street
Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: (256) 485-0195


Opelika Location
216 South 8th Street
Opelika 36801
Phone: (334) 887-7666


Anniston Location
1302 Noble St #2C
Anniston, AL 36201
Phone: (256) 344-3559


Cullman Location
200 Second Avenue SW
Cullman, AL 35055
Phone: (256) 739-9866


Mississippi Offices

Jackson Location
5760 I-55 North, Ste 100
Jackson, MS 39211
Phone: (601) 353-5000


Hattiesburg Location
607 Corinne St, Ste B8
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Phone: (601) 264-7200


Vicksburg Location
1212 Farmer Street
Vicksburg, MS 39180
Phone: (601) 353-5000

© 2024 by Bond & Botes Law Offices. All rights reserved. Disclaimer | Privacy Policy