With the increasing occurrence of natural disasters, AARP Pennsylvania is urging residents to stay vigilant against disaster relief scams. As communities come together to rebuild, fraudsters are exploiting the situation to steal money and personal information.

Mary Bach, AARP Pennsylvania Volunteer and Chair of the Consumer Issues Task Force, emphasizes the importance of caution. “Scammers see disasters as opportunities. They pose as contractors or government officials, taking advantage of those who need help the most. We must stay informed and cautious.”

The frequency and financial impact of natural disasters have risen dramatically over the past decades. From 1980 to 1989, 33 natural disasters cost $218 billion. Between 2019 and 2023, 102 disasters incurred costs of $616 billion, with 2023 alone seeing 28 disasters resulting in $95 billion in losses.

Alarmingly, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) estimates that 10 percent of these losses, approximately $9.3 billion, were due to post-disaster fraud.

David Kalinoski, AARP Associate State Director, highlights steps to avoid these scams. “Before hiring any contractor, verify their credentials. Legitimate contractors will have proper licensing and insurance. Be wary of unsolicited offers and always check references.”

AARP Pennsylvania advises the following precautions:

• Investigate before hiring: Verify the contractor’s business name, phone number, and state license number. Check reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other consumer sites.
• Verify government agents: FEMA and other agencies will not ask for money to conduct inspections or offer assistance. Always request identification and verify their credentials through official channels.
• Check charities: Donate to established charities with a proven track record. Use resources like Charity Navigator or the BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance to confirm legitimacy.

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Pennsylvania Fraud Resource Page.

Learn more at AARP Pennsylvania. AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.