Disaster Scams: Fake Charities After Emergencies
Within hours of every major natural disaster — hurricane, earthquake, wildfire, flood — scammers mobilize. Fake charity websites go live. GoFundMe campaigns launch with stolen photos. Phishing emails impersonating FEMA, the Red Cross, and government agencies flood inboxes. Robocalls demand donations for victims who will never see a cent.
The National Center for Disaster Fraud estimates that between 5% and 10% of all charitable donations after disasters go to fraudulent operations. After Hurricane Helene in 2024, the FBI investigated over 400 reports of disaster-related fraud in the first two weeks alone. In 2026, with natural disasters increasing in frequency and severity, the problem is worse than ever.
Fake Charity Operations
Scammers create organizations with names that sound similar to legitimate charities: "American Red Cross Relief Fund" (not the actual Red Cross), "Hurricane Relief Foundation," "Disaster Victims United." These organizations may have professional websites, emotional photos (usually stolen), and compelling stories — but none of the donations reach victims.
"Please help the victims of the California wildfires. Your $50 donation provides food and shelter for one family for a week. Donate now via Zelle to [number] or buy gift cards and call us with the numbers." — A fake charity solicitation. Legitimate charities never ask for donations via Zelle or gift cards.
Some operations spend 90% or more of donations on "administrative costs" — paying the operators. They file as 501(c)(3) organizations to appear legitimate, making detection harder for donors.
Crowdfunding Fraud
GoFundMe, GiveSendGo, and similar platforms see an explosion of campaigns after disasters. While many are legitimate, scammers create fake campaigns using stolen photos and fabricated stories. They may impersonate real victims, create fictional victims, or set up campaigns for "rescue teams" that don't exist.
After recent major disasters, crowdfunding platforms reported removing hundreds of fraudulent campaigns. But scammers create new ones faster than they can be removed.
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How to verify: Look for campaigns shared directly by victims or their verified family members. Check if the platform has verified the campaign. Donate to established disaster relief organizations rather than individual campaigns unless you can verify the recipient personally.
Government Impersonation Scams
After disasters, FEMA, the SBA (Small Business Administration), and state agencies provide assistance. Scammers exploit this by impersonating government officials, calling or visiting disaster victims and offering to help them apply for assistance — in exchange for personal information, application fees, or upfront payments.
Critical fact: FEMA never charges application fees. FEMA assistance is free. SBA disaster loans have no upfront costs. If anyone asks for money to help you apply for government disaster assistance, it's a scam. FEMA officials carry official identification and will never ask for your bank account information in the field.
Contractor and Repair Scams
After storms, floods, and fires, desperate homeowners need repairs urgently. Unlicensed contractors descend on disaster areas, demanding large upfront payments for work they never complete or complete poorly. They may:
- Demand full payment upfront, then disappear
- Do superficial work that looks good but doesn't address structural damage
- Use substandard materials while charging for premium ones
- Create fake inspection reports or forge building permits
- Pressure homeowners to sign insurance assignments that give the contractor control of the claim
Get multiple quotes. Verify contractor licenses through your state's licensing board. Never pay more than 10-15% upfront. Get everything in writing. Don't sign insurance assignments without consulting your insurance company and an attorney.
Insurance Fraud Targeting Policyholders
Fake "public adjusters" contact disaster victims offering to maximize their insurance claims — for a fee. While legitimate public adjusters exist (and can be helpful), scammers impersonate them, collect personal and policy information, and either file fraudulent claims, steal settlement payments, or simply disappear with their fees.
Verify any public adjuster's license through your state's Department of Insurance. Don't sign agreements under pressure. Your insurance company provides a claims adjuster at no additional cost to you.
Price Gouging
While not always technically a "scam," price gouging after disasters is illegal in most states. Scammers sell bottled water for $20 a case, generators for triple their retail price, and hotel rooms at extortionate rates. Report price gouging to your state attorney general's office.
How to Donate Safely
Give to established organizations. The Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, the Salvation Army, local community foundations, and other established organizations have proven track records and accountability structures.
Verify before donating. Check charities on Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. These organizations evaluate charities' financial transparency and effectiveness.
Donate directly. Go to the charity's official website — don't click links in emails or texts. Type the URL yourself or use the charity's official app.
Never donate via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to unfamiliar organizations. Use credit cards, which provide fraud protection, or checks.
Be suspicious of emotional pressure. Legitimate charities provide information and make their case. Scammers create urgency and emotional manipulation: "Children are dying RIGHT NOW and YOU need to act THIS SECOND."
If you receive a donation request after a disaster and want to verify it, paste it into IsThisAScam for instant analysis.
If You're a Disaster Victim
Apply for FEMA assistance directly at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362. Don't pay anyone to help you apply. Report suspected disaster fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 1-866-720-5721 or justice.gov/disaster-fraud.
Natural disasters bring out the best in most people — but also the worst in a few. Protect your generosity by verifying where your money goes.
Got a suspicious charity request or disaster-related message? Verify it with IsThisAScam →