Tips to Avoid Frauds and Scams After a Natural Disaster

As Oklahoma recovers from recent severe storms, AARP Oklahoma wants to help you prepare for the next weather emergency—and protect yourself from fraudsters who often strike in the aftermath.

Preparation is your best defense. Now more than ever, it pays to take steps before severe weather arrives so you and your loved ones can stay safe and reduce stress when the skies turn dangerous.

Use our printable checklist to organize two emergency supply kits:

• 3-Day “Grab and Go” Bag — essentials you can take with you if you need to leave home quickly.
• 7-Day “Shelter in Place” Bag — supplies that help you stay safe and comfortable at home if power or services are disrupted.

By preparing these kits in advance, you’ll be better equipped to face Oklahoma’s ever-changing weather with confidence and peace of mind.

After a storm, scam artists often move in fast. Keep these important reminders from the AARP Fraud Watch Network in mind:

• Give wisely. Criminals may pose as charities using names similar to legitimate organizations and vague claims about how donations will be used.
• Be cautious about cleanup offers. Some so-called contractors may demand upfront payment, overcharge, or vanish without doing the work. Always ask for identification, licenses, and proof of insurance—and don’t accept promises that aren’t in writing.
• Never pay with wire transfers, gift cards, or cash. Only make final payment after the work is complete to your satisfaction.
• Guard your personal information. Scammers may pretend to be government officials to steal your financial or personal data.
• Don’t pay for FEMA help. FEMA never charges application fees. Anyone who demands money is trying to scam you.

From the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit

In counties where the Governor or President has declared a state of emergency:

• Most goods and services: Price increases of 10% or more are prohibited during the emergency and for 30 days afterward.
• Housing and repair-related services: Price increases of 10% or more are prohibited during the emergency and for 180 days afterward.
• Common complaints include: food and water, hotel rooms and apartments, rental cars, and building materials.

• Ask for referrals from people you trust and use local contractors.
• Obtain written estimates, references, and check contractors with the Consumer Protection Unit.
• Roofers must be registered with the Construction Industries Board (405-521-6550 / www.ok.gov/cib).
• Insist on a written agreement with all project details.
• Be wary of contractors who:
  
  • Solicit door-to-door
  • Demand large upfront cash payments
  • Use high-pressure sales tactics
  • Resist written contracts

• Donate only to charities you know and trust.
• Be cautious of charities formed quickly in response to a disaster.
• Check with the Secretary of State (405-521-3912 / www.sos.ok.gov/charity/) to see if a charity is registered.
• Request written information from the solicitor.
• Listen closely to the charity’s name—scammers often mimic well-known organizations.
• Be wary of high-pressure solicitors, cash-only donations, or prize promises.

If you lose documents with personal or financial information:

• Contact your financial institutions immediately.
• Notify the credit bureaus:
  
  • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
  • Experian: 1-888-397-3742
  • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
• Report a lost driver’s license to the Department of Public Safety (405-425-2424).
• Report a lost Social Security card to the Social Security Administration (1-800-269-0271).
• If you suspect identity theft, contact local law enforcement and keep the police report for your records.

Report a Complaint:
Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit
1-833-681-1895 (toll-free)
consumerprotection@oag.ok.gov

• Oklahoma Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit: Call 1-833-681-1895 or email consumerprotection@oag.ok.gov.
• Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID): Call 405-521-2828 or visit their website for help with claims and consumer inquiries.

For free support, call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network online. Our fraud specialists and trained volunteers are here for members and nonmembers alike—offering guidance you can trust, without judgment.