While many are now picking up the pieces to try and recover from the recent passage of Hurricane Beryl, others are on the hunt to take advantage of the vulnerable.

Often, the aftermath of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, attract unscrupulous people seeking to profit from other’s misfortunes, and falling victim to their schemes can lead to financial disaster.

Here are a few scams you should look out for after any disaster.

1. Donation scams. After any disaster, there are people who will want to give to help those who were affected. Unfortunately, fraudsters know this and may pose as charitable organisations seeking donations to help victims. Look out for red flags such as:

• Requests for personal information
• An aggressive push for donations and requests for money to be sent through wire transfers
• Calls from an unknown organisation
• Guaranteed winnings in exchange for a donation

3. Social media sale scams. Be on the lookout for persons and entities on social media offering generous sales on items, such as furniture and other home supplies, electronics, clothes and hair products. These pages may be operated by criminals involved in advance fee fraud who target and trick people into sending them deposits for items that they never deliver.
4. Employment scams. Depending on the disaster, temporary roles may come on stream as part of the recovery efforts. However, be sure to avoid employers who are requiring you to deposit money to accounts as enrollment fees. If you must pay money to earn money, it’s likely to be a scam.
5. Insurance scams. A disaster is an opportunity for insurance providers to sell you on their products if you did not have any coverage during the disaster. Conversely, many will also approach their providers to make claims on ‘damage incurred’. Con artists will pose as insurance representatives to try and get you to purchase policies/make claims as a ruse to acquire your personal information. Be smart about your interactions and always take steps to protect your identity. Use the proper channels to engage insurance companies.
6. Home repair scams. Never hire contractors on the spot. Following disasters scammers pretending to be from home repair businesses may engage you with offers to conduct repairs. Always do your due diligence. It’s also recommended that you hire professionals who are members of associations that adhere to standards.

Think You’ve Been Scammed?

1. Act immediately to stop further loss. Contact your bank or card provider immediately to make a report and shut down your accounts. JN Bank members can reach our Member Care Centre to make reports via the following telephone lines:

• • 888-991-4065/6 or 876-906-5343 from Jamaica
  • 1-800-462-9003 from the USA or Canada, or
  • 0800-328-0387 from the UK

Members can also send an email to helpdesk@jnbank.com

2. Change the passwords for your accounts and your devices.

3. Report to law enforcement. Help end the scam by reporting it to the police and notifying the social networking site or app where you met the scammer. Also warn others, including friends and family members, not to interact with those you suspect are fraudsters.

4. Monitor your accounts regularly for fraudulent or suspicious activities and ensure you sign up to receive email and SMS alerts from your bank.

Safe Banking Tip

Although your money is safe at the bank, it’s a good idea to have some cash handy in the event that you need to evacuate quickly because of a natural hazard. After a storm, for instance, it may take some time for ATMs to be operable and you’ll need money for supplies and fuel.