Weather-related scams have always posed a major threat, even if you are not directly affected by storms.
Weather-related scams have always posed a major threat, even if you are not directly affected by storms.
Memorial Day is the traditional start of summer and a time to “retune” our scam awareness. Today, we focus on some additional ways we can become victims of fraud (there’s something for everyone).
Weather-related scams have always posed a major threat, even if you are not directly affected by storms. However, we in the Northeast often forget that we are vulnerable; initially to the damage from storms, followed by the scams. Over the past two decades, climate change has brought tropical storm impacts throughout the area, along with scams and fraud. Here are a few steps to prepare:
• Review your home and vehicle insurance coverage. Understand what’s included and what isn’t. Some scammers try to scare owners into buying fake or unnecessary additional coverage.
• Inventory your home and include photographs.
• Place the inventory and all critical personal documents (wills, trusts, Social Security and insurance cards, titles, deeds) in a lockable waterproof/fireproof box. Include some cash to tide you over in an emergency. Make copies of these items and store them in an alternate location such as a safe deposit box or with a trusted family member. You may need these items to defend against fraud or be compensated for losses.
Act cautiously after incurring property losses. Victims can be in emotional shock and vulnerable to fraudsters. These criminals may be operating on the ground in your community or from distant locations anywhere in the world. A cyber criminal using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and satellite imagery is able to locate your property and reach out to you to obtain additional personal information to commit insurance fraud, threaten you, or simply steal from you and your providers.
As noted in the past, be alert to scammers offering clean-up or fix-up services. Don’t sign documents or agree to any work until you are able to check local references, and beware of prepayment demands. Also, contact local law enforcement and your state or commonwealth Attorney General’s office if you suspect fraud.
The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) recently reissued an alert primarily to travelers that may apply to many more. Free device “charging stations” are found at airports, entertainment venues, hotels, restaurants, and other public areas such as libraries. Frequently, these “stations” connect directly to a USB port and provide necessary power. Few are serviced or maintained; after all, you are just connecting to a power supply.
In reality, there is danger in using these. Plugging into a USB port immediately allows the device to send data such as device type, serial number, and location, often enough to access internal data. Two ways to play it safe: carry a power adapter that allows you to plug into any electrical outlet, or purchase and carry a portable battery power bank (as always, purchase accessories from reputable manufacturers and avoid cheap, unrated “knock-off” products). Also, shut down your device before connecting.
You may have noticed that there are some disruptions in services provided by the federal government. This has not gone unnoticed by fraudsters who have been busier than in the past promoting impersonation scams.
Whether it’s toll collection scams, solar power scams, Medicare scams, or scams related to accident insurance payments, these calls, texts and emails are annoying or dangerous. Do not respond to any and do not answer any questions if you suspect a scam. These calls are recorded, and insults will not deter them; as you’ve heard in the past, what you say can be used against you.
As always, your best defense against these criminals is education, awareness, and a bit of skepticism.
Be well; be safe! Questions/Comments? Email egreenblott@aarp.org.
Elliott Greenblott is a retired educator and coordinator of the AARP Vermont Fraud Watch Network.
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