Watch for scams in aftermath of flood

Scams, schemes, con games and rip offs—those are all ways criminals tap into major disasters such as the recent massive flooding across South Carolina.

While governmental organizations provide established ways to help flood victims get back on their feet as quickly as possible and reputable charities begin to raise money, criminals who prey on victims of major disasters begin to make their plans as well. The last thing that residents who are adversely affected by the flooding need is to be scammed by some unscrupulous individual.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have issued warnings on how to avoid being victimized a second time by a scam artist. Locally, no fraudulent activity has been reported to date but local officials urge residents to be aware and use caution when being approached by individuals who say they are there to help.

So far so good in Horry County, according to Kelly Brosky, speaking on behalf of Horry County government. While Brosky said the county has not heard of any fraudulent activity locally, they are urging people to follow safety tips outlined by FEMA and other agencies such as the local Better Business Bureau (BBB) looking out for the public good.

City of Myrtle Beach spokesman Mark Kruea said while the city itself suffered little damage due to floodwaters this time, urging residents to be alert to scams is ongoing.

“We always advise residents to be alert for possible scams,” Kruea said. “Check to see that any contractor is licensed and has the necessary permits. Check references, too. A deal too good to be true usually is.”

FEMA has issued warnings alerting the public that its employees do not solicit or accept money from disaster survivors. While FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams and inspectors and other legitimate disaster assistance agencies such as insurance agents may visit damaged property, homeowners need to remain alert. Below are some tips:

Ask to see ID badges | All FEMA representatives and other legitimate disaster assessment officials should have ID badges visible.

Safeguard personal information | Be cautious about revealing personal information such as Social Security numbers and bank account numbers.

Beware of people going door to door | Be very skeptical of people knocking on doors at damaged homes or phoning homeowners claiming to be contractors, especially if they ask for money or personal information. This goes for people out in the community identifying themselves as fundraisers, as well. For example, reputable nonprofit organizations such as the United Way, Salvation Army and American Red Cross do not solicit donations door to door.

Always use licensed and bonded contractors | Always ask for credentials. To find out if a contractor is licensed in South Carolina call (803) 896-4696 for verification of residential builders or visit www.fema.gov.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has also issued consumer alerts about possible fake charity scams emerging due to severe flooding in South Carolina and neighboring states.

▪ To help disaster victims, donate to recognized charities. Be wary of charities with names that are similar to familiar or nationally known organizations. Some phony charities use names or websites that sound or look like those of respected, legitimate organizations. Check out a charity through the IRS.gov website or on fema.gov and search for exempt organizations.

▪ Do not give out personal information such as Social Security numbers, credit card or bank account numbers or passwords to anyone soliciting contributions. This information can be used to steal your identity and money.

▪ Do not send cash. For security and tax record purposes, contribute by check or credit card or another safe way to document your gift.

▪ Beware of bogus websites and emails soliciting funds for disaster victims. Don’t fall for Facebook pages that have just been set up following a major disaster.

The BBB of Coastal Carolinas’ website offers a scam tracker option where 4,443 scams across the U.S. have been reported. Go to www.bbb.org/scamtracker/myrtle-beach/ for local information.

If someone contacts you that you feel may be a fraudulent, report the information online at the BBB website or call your local BBB at (843) 488-2227. Taxpayers suspecting disaster-related frauds by email should go to IRS.gov and search for keywords “report phishing.”

This story was originally published October 9, 2015 at 6:40 PM with the headline "Watch for scams in aftermath of flood."