Charity Scammers Exploit Personal Data Ahead of Hurricane Season

Scammers are increasingly targeting individuals for hurricane charity fraud by obtaining personal information through data brokers and people-search websites, sometimes before a storm even makes landfall. This practice allows fraudsters to craft donation pitches that appear more credible by leveraging details about potential victims.

September, designated as National Preparedness Month, falls during the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. While federal agencies like FEMA encourage citizens to prepare emergency plans, scammers are simultaneously looking for opportunities to exploit these situations for financial gain. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported 662 charity fraud complaints in 2025, resulting in over $7.9 million in reported losses.

Exploiting Personal Data for Fraud

The methods used by these scammers can begin long before a disaster strikes. Information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and even family details can be acquired through purchased lists, public records, or data compiled from various online sources. This data can then be used to identify individuals who are likely to respond to donation requests.

In one notable case, Epsilon Data Management was found to have sold targeted lists of "responsive buyers" to fraudsters for nearly a decade. Prosecutors stated that this data, compiled from transactional records of millions of U.S. households, was used to defraud over 218,000 people out of more than $23.7 million. Epsilon ultimately paid $150 million in penalties and victim compensation. Although this case focused on mass-mailing fraud, it illustrates how personal data can be weaponized to select targets for various scams, including disaster relief fraud.

Common Tactics and Vulnerable Populations

Scammers frequently employ robocalls and other marketing channels to reach a broad audience. Cases involving fake charities, such as the "Disabled and Paralyzed Veterans Fund" or the "Children's Leukemia of America Fund," highlight how perpetrators can collect personal checks and then use donor banking information to create counterfeit checks. These schemes often disproportionately affect senior citizens.

Another instance involved a six-year scheme that used millions of robocalls to solicit donations for sham veterans' charities, with prosecutors noting that senior citizens were often targeted. The individual responsible was sentenced to 41 months in prison and ordered to pay over $541,000 in restitution.

Post-Storm Scams

Following natural disasters, the sense of urgency and the public's desire to help are amplified, creating fertile ground for scammers. FEMA has warned of individuals impersonating inspectors or disaster workers and using stolen identities to apply for assistance. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also cautions that fake charities and copycat organizations quickly emerge after weather emergencies, sometimes creating websites that mimic legitimate disaster relief efforts.

How to Avoid Hurricane Charity Scams

To mitigate the risk of falling victim to these scams, individuals are advised to take several precautions:

• Verify Charities Independently: Instead of relying on unsolicited links from emails or texts, directly visit the official websites of charities and check their legitimacy through resources like Charity Navigator, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, CharityWatch, or the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
• Be Cautious with Payment Methods: Scammers often prefer cash, gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Donating via credit card or check generally offers more protection and a clearer record of the transaction.
• Resist Urgency: Legitimate charities will allow time for donors to research their organization. Be suspicious of any demand for immediate donation.
• Identify Copycats: Scammers may use names or website addresses that are similar to well-known charities. Always verify the spelling of the charity's name and ensure you are on the correct official website.
• Avoid Unsolicited Links: Do not click on donation links provided in texts, emails, or social media posts, as these can lead to compromised accounts or fraudulent sites. Use strong antivirus software to protect against malicious links.
• Review Statements: After making a donation, carefully check credit card or bank statements to confirm the amount charged and ensure no unauthorized recurring donations have been set up.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If a donation request seems suspicious, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FBI at ic3.gov, or the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline.
• Reduce Data Exposure: Individuals can also take steps to limit the personal information available through data brokers and people-search sites. Using data removal services or making direct requests can reduce the readily available data scammers can use to craft convincing pitches.

By verifying donation requests, slowing down the giving process, and protecting personal information, individuals can help ensure their generosity reaches legitimate causes and avoid becoming a target for disaster-related fraud.