Agencies Alert Public to Hurricane Fraud Schemes

In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, several U.S. state and federal agencies are warning the public about scams exploiting these natural disasters. Fraudsters are posing as charitable organizations or government officials to solicit donations or personal information. Common scams involve price gouging for essential goods, as well as fraudulent requests for donations via wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency. Officials urge donors to verify charities' legitimacy through trusted sources like give.org and to avoid unsolicited communications. The Justice Department's National Center for Disaster Fraud emphasizes the importance of exercising caution to ensure donations reach legitimate recipients. Consumers are advised to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.