Fraud prevention tips after natural disasters

The Department of Veterans Affairs has issued a warning to veterans and their families about the heightened risk of fraud and scams following natural disasters. Scammers frequently target veterans during these vulnerable periods, posing as insurance adjusters, contractors, landlords, or Federal Emergency Management Agency representatives to steal money, personal information, or insurance benefits. VA's Benefits Delivery Protection and Remediation office within the Veteran Benefits Administration has outlined specific warning signs and protective measures veterans should recognize when disaster strikes their communities.

Natural disasters create chaos that fraudsters exploit, and veterans receiving VA benefits face particular risks because they often rely on direct deposit payments and may have limited mobility or resources to verify claims in person. Scammers know that displaced veterans are under extreme stress and may make hasty decisions about housing, repairs, and insurance claims. The VA emphasizes that legitimate insurance adjusters and contractors will never demand payment in cash, wire transfers, or gift cards, and they should always provide official identification that can be verified with state licensing boards. FEMA and government workers may ask for information to verify identity and eligibility, but they will never request unnecessary financial details or demand payment to process claims.

This warning applies to all veterans and VA beneficiaries, regardless of disability rating or location, though those in areas recently affected by hurricanes, floods, blizzards, and other declared emergencies face immediate risk. Veterans who are displaced from their homes are especially vulnerable to rental scams featuring fake listings, unusually low prices, and demands for upfront payments before property viewings. Price gouging also becomes prevalent once emergencies are declared, with scammers illegally raising prices on essential goods and services including food, water, fuel, medical supplies, temporary shelter, and emergency repairs.

Veterans should report prices that exceed pre-emergency levels by more than 10 percent, or new items marked up more than 50 percent above cost, as price gouging is illegal in most states during declared emergencies. When reporting fraud, veterans should provide detailed information including names, addresses, screenshots, receipts, photos, and descriptions of suspicious behavior to help investigators respond quickly. Veterans who are missing VA benefits payments, identify payment discrepancies, or discover suspicious activity with their direct deposit accounts should contact VA immediately at 800-827-1000. Those who suspect they have experienced fraud can report to the appropriate agency at VSAFE.gov or by calling 833-38V-SAFE.

For disabled veterans, protecting benefits payments becomes even more critical during disasters when financial stability may already be compromised by displacement, medical needs, or emergency expenses. Fraudsters understand that veterans receiving disability compensation depend on regular monthly payments and may target these direct deposit accounts or attempt to redirect benefits. The intersection of disaster recovery and benefits protection requires disabled veterans to remain vigilant about both their physical safety and their financial security during an already overwhelming time.

Veterans facing disaster recovery should verify all contacts claiming to represent insurance companies, government agencies, or service providers before sharing any personal or financial information. Never sign contracts or forms without speaking directly with your insurer first, avoid high-pressure tactics demanding immediate action, and refuse any requests for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. If you encounter fraudulent adjusters, FEMA impersonators, price gouging, or rental scams, report them immediately to protect yourself and fellow veterans in your community. By staying alert and using trusted VA resources, veterans can focus on legitimate recovery efforts rather than becoming victims of exploitation during their most vulnerable moments.