Clever ways to avoid devious disaster relief scams after Hurricane Ian

It’s a sad state of affairs that scammers will jump on any opportunity to rope in new victims, no matter how severe or tragic an event may be. Any event that affects the world or is well-known is fair game.

The recent death of Queen Elizabeth II has already given rise to countless scams and examples of misinformation. With all the news of her passing, crooks have plenty of room to slip in. Tap or click here for tips on spotting the scams surrounding the Queen’s death.

Natural disasters are prime targets for scammers. With Typhoon Merbok, Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian leaving destruction in their wake, some genuinely sick individuals are taking advantage of the victims and people trying to help them. Here’s what to watch out for.

Here’s the backstory

Millions of people across Florida were without power after Hurricane Ian. It’s one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the U.S., causing flooding and trapping people in their homes.

If you’re in an area hit by recent storms, people may offer to help in exchange for payment. They could pose as government officials or just people who want to assist.

RELATED: Please don’t run outside and livestream hurricanes

The Federal Trade Commission is warning about these so-called helpers. Anyone who asks for personal information or payment upfront is a…

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