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Here are the top 5 Best Ways to Avoid Post-Sandy Scams

Oct. 30, 2012 8:20pm

In the wake of any major and destructive weather event, there is always confusion, misinformation, and disarray. But if you’re lucky enough to live in a place like the U.S., there is also a massive outpouring of aid.

Unfortunately, there are people out there who use both post-disaster confusion as well as the goodwill of others to grab a piece of the aid pie.

That being said, here’s a helpful list from Identity Theft 911, a group that specializes in “identity and data risk management, resolution and education services,” detailing the top 5 best ways to avoid getting scammed by thieves looking to take advantage of Superstorm Sandy [all block quotes from Identity Theft 911]:

Identity thieves:

Identity Theft 911 Presents the Best Ways to Avoid Getting Scammed Post Superstorm Sandy

Protect important information and documents. Whether you’re in a shelter, staying with friends, or crashing on your family’s couch, never let these items leave your sight. They are the key to your identity — and you will need this information to prove who you are.

Another tip: Ask the post office to hold your mail if you have to leave your home. This will keep the bad guys from finding sensitive information that may be left in your mailbox.

Insurance scams

Identity Theft 911 Presents the Best Ways to Avoid Getting Scammed Post Superstorm Sandy

If you’ve experienced damage to any of your personal property, call your insurance company first.  Don’t fall for fly-by-night “professionals” who make false guarantees about a claims check, damage appraisal, inspection or water quality testing.

Illegitimate websites

Identity Theft 911 Presents the Best Ways to Avoid Getting Scammed Post Superstorm Sandy

Double check the legitimacy of the site you’re clicking to from your email, Facebook or elsewhere. When in doubt, check your local American Red Cross or the National FEMA site to find local help.

Fake charitable organizations

Identity Theft 911 Presents the Best Ways to Avoid Getting Scammed Post Superstorm Sandy

Watch out for scammy charitable organizations that have names similar to reputable institutions. These sites often end in .com (instead of the typical .org for nonprofits).

They’re designed to fool you into thinking you’re donating to a good cause when, in reality, you’re donating your money and personal and financial information to thieves.

Photos with malware

Identity Theft 911 Presents the Best Ways to Avoid Getting Scammed Post Superstorm Sandy

This scam strikes after any type of disaster or tragedy. Thieves count on people to be hungry for news, so they infect images and video with malware.

Stick with legitimate sites, such as your local news station or newspaper for the latest information. Be wary of links on Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites.

Follow Becket Adams (@BecketAdams) on Twitter

All photos courtesy the AP.

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Comments (30)

  • RedDawn2012
    Posted on November 1, 2012 at 5:29am

    You forgot one: don’t buy a yellow car, especially if it’s wet and stinks like a sewer.

    Report this comment

    RedDawn2012  
  • Thunder42
    Posted on October 31, 2012 at 2:28pm

    Beware of scam fund raisers for Sandy money!
    Here’s a great article about who to donate to and who not to:
    http://www.consumersearch.com/blog/hurricane-sandy-disaster-relief-donations-charities-putting-your-dollars-to-work

    Report this comment

    Thunder42  
  • alias.stone
    Posted on October 31, 2012 at 12:22pm

    Scammers, looters, and opportunists who take advantage of those who are going through a tragedy should all be taken out back and shot. They’re all maggots and remnants of human debris.

    Report this comment

    alias.stone  
  • jungle J
    Posted on October 31, 2012 at 10:46am

    let them take care of themselves.

    Report this comment

    jungle J  
  • macpappy
    Posted on October 30, 2012 at 10:40pm

    You can not tell the gulible, to not be gulible. You can’t tell a funny person not to be funny, and you can’t tell a stupid person not to be stupid. It just is.
    David Hannum knew exactly what he was talking about when he said:
    “There is a sucker born every minute”.

    Report this comment

    macpappy  
  • GuruMeditation
    Posted on October 30, 2012 at 10:15pm

    Sad so many go on the take.

    Report this comment

    GuruMeditation  
  • Polarized America
    Posted on October 30, 2012 at 8:54pm

    I rewrote the headline to read look out for this stuff any day,everyday but i guess
    Mr. Adams didn’t like it

    Report this comment

    Polarized America  
  • Metallicat
    Posted on October 30, 2012 at 8:45pm

    Chinese hackers will probably be targeting the east coast of the US to take advantage of the situation.

    Report this comment

    Metallicat  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on October 30, 2012 at 8:37pm

    Don’t forget all the Craigslist scams….

    http://newjersey.craigslist.org/lab/

    http://newjersey.craigslist.org/trd/

    “Please send us (a completely anonymous e-mail account) your resume and and all your personal info and we will give you a job muy pronto….

    Please click on this completely valid URL (that links to a sever in a third world country) and give us all of your personal info; please include your name, address, phone numbers, SS # and date of birth.

    We will have you employed by TOMORROW!!!!

    Yeah right….

    Report this comment

    The-Monk  
  • DOra Glasberg
    Posted on October 30, 2012 at 8:36pm

    Biggest scam of all
    A presidential candidate loading bottled water on a bus protecting by 2 bodyguards.

    Report this comment

    DOra Glasberg  
    • grayling646
      Posted on October 30, 2012 at 9:13pm

      Dora, Dora, Dora. Which one is the scam? The candidate, the bottled water or the bodyguards?

      Report this comment

      grayling646  
    • jman-6
      Posted on October 30, 2012 at 9:21pm

      Your in no way in short supply of stupidity! Romney doesn’t have any choice when it comes to the Secret Service shadowing! If it were not for dangerous people of your ilk he wouldn’t need security!

      Report this comment

      jman-6  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on October 30, 2012 at 9:25pm

      @Dora..

      I feel your pain. I’ve known and counseled many libs that were about to explode with all the pent-up anger they felt for their side and themselves. Don’t worry… after your obvious upcoming mental breakdown we on the right will be here for you. It’s only a matter of time and time is running out for you based on the progression of you posts.

      Yep, seen it many times. You’ll be a Republican in no time. Just keep up the hate. You know, just like Darth Vader. He turned and so….. will…… you……. Here’s a nice happy face for you. : )

      Just look in the mirror….. you’re toast.

      Report this comment

      The-Monk  
    • DOra Glasberg
      Posted on October 30, 2012 at 9:29pm

      The bottles are filled with TAP water!

      Report this comment

      DOra Glasberg  
    • WATER-THE-TREE
      Posted on October 30, 2012 at 11:06pm

      There is one scam worst— your stupid ass post. STFU!

      Report this comment

      WATER-THE-TREE  
    • loriann12
      Posted on October 31, 2012 at 6:42am

      Yea, the one who volunteered the use of his bus, meaning he’s using his own money to supply it, versus a president who flew to Florida to campaign, but his handlers suggested he fly back to the white house for appearances, and holed up in the situation room….wait, isn’t that the same room he watched 4 Americans die in Benghazi, in? I guess he does know where it is. And by the way, we the American people got to pay for Air Force One to fly to Florida, and turn around and fly back to Washington.

      Report this comment

      loriann12  
    • G-WHIZ
      Posted on October 31, 2012 at 12:58pm

      Romney paid for his own bodyguards….BarryBozzo’s are paid by the 16Trillion national debt!!

      Report this comment

      G-WHIZ  
    • ICanComment
      Posted on October 31, 2012 at 1:04pm

      Don’t feed the trolls… They only want your reaction.

      Report this comment

      ICanComment  
  • chips1
    Posted on October 30, 2012 at 8:32pm

    If someone with big ears comes up to you and whispers, “Hey, Bro, wanna buy some TARP Funds”?, run away!!!!

    Report this comment

    chips1  
    • DOra Glasberg
      Posted on October 30, 2012 at 8:42pm

      TARP was Bush’s baby. hell-O

      Report this comment

      DOra Glasberg  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on October 30, 2012 at 9:20pm

      @Dora

      I feel your pain. I’ve known and counseled many libs that were about to explode with all the pent-up anger they felt for their side and themselves. Don’t worry… after your obvious upcoming mental breakdown we on the right will be here for you. It’s only a matter of time and time is running out for you based on the progression of you posts.

      Yep, seen it many times. You’ll be a Republican in no time. Just keep up the hate. You know, just like Darth Vader. He turned and so….. will…… you……. Here’s a nice happy face for you. : )

      Just look in the mirror….. you’re toast.

      Report this comment

      The-Monk  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on October 30, 2012 at 9:20pm

      @Dora,

      I feel your pain. I’ve known and counseled many libs that were about to explode with all the pent-up anger they felt for their side and themselves. Don’t worry… after your obvious upcoming mental breakdown we on the right will be here for you. It’s only a matter of time and time is running out for you based on the progression of you posts.

      Yep, seen it many times. You’ll be a Republican in no time. Just keep up the hate. You know, just like Darth Vader. He turned and so….. will…… you……. Here’s a nice happy face for you. : )

      Just look in the mirror….. you’re toast.

      Report this comment

      The-Monk  
    • Eastinfection
      Posted on October 30, 2012 at 9:30pm

      Monk…..

      To steal a line from our friend, WOOL….

      “You can say that again!” …… ;)

      Report this comment

      Eastinfection  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on October 31, 2012 at 1:01am

      Hi East,

      @Dora the whorea…

      I feel your pain. I’ve known and counseled many libs that were about to explode with all the pent-up anger they felt for their side and themselves. Don’t worry… after your obvious upcoming mental breakdown we on the right will be here for you. It’s only a matter of time and time is running out for you based on the progression of you posts.

      Yep, seen it many times. You’ll be a Republican in no time. Just keep up the hate. You know, just like Darth Vader. He turned and so….. will…… you……. Here’s a nice happy face for you. : )

      Just look in the mirror….. you’re toast.

      Report this comment

      The-Monk  
  • DEFCON4
    Posted on October 30, 2012 at 8:30pm

    Step right folks, and get your offical bag of “Sandy’s” sand…..
    Order now! While supplies last…..

    Report this comment

    DEFCON4  

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