Чиновники Гавайев предупреждают о мошенничестве с «погони за штормом» после ураганов Лала и Моке

Hawaii officials warn of ‘storm chaser’ scams after Hurricane Lala Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs urges residents to verify contractor licenses, avoid unsolicited insurance or aid offers HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - State officials are warning the public about a potential rise in disaster-related scams in the wake of the Lala and Moke storms. After severe weather or emergencies, scammers often try to exploit people who are vulnerable or in urgent need. They’re called storm chasers — people who are looking to cash in after disasters and offer to make quick repairs at low prices. Officials warn before you pay anyone for construction work, do your research. Don’t let emotion cloud your judgment, and be skeptical of any unsolicited offers. “Be cautious of anyone who shows up at your doorstep unexpectedly, says they are already working in the neighborhood, or pressures you to sign a contract on the spot because they claim it’s a today only deal,” said JP Brabant of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ (DCCA) Consumer Resource Center. You may receive a phone call, text, email, mail, social media message or even a visit from someone claiming to represent a federal agency like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These imposters may ask for money, fees, or personal financial information to “process” disaster assistance. “A major red flag is anyone asking for money or personal financial information. Legitimate government agencies do not charge fees to apply for disaster assistance and won’t request sensitive information through unsolicited calls, texts, or emails,” said Sam Thomsen, chief investigator of DCCA’s Insurance Division. Verify their identity and hire a licensed contractor If someone offers you repair work, the first step is to visit businesscheck.hawaii.gov and check if the person has a valid contractor license in Hawaii. That means they’ve been vetted and are insured. “Unlicensed contractors may promise quick repairs, immediate availability, or low prices, but consumers can be left with incomplete projects, substandard work, or inferior materials, and in some cases they may pay the contractor and then the contractor just up and disappears,” Brabant said, adding that you should never pay in full or in large upfront payments, and do not sign over your insurance check. Here are DCCA’s 10 tips for construction projects: - Hire a licensed contractor. - Know how much you can spend. - Shop around. - Ask for references. - Get everything in writing. - Comply with local building codes. - Track the project by keeping good records. - Set up a payment schedule and pay as you go. - Know the subcontractors. - Do walk throughs to make sure repairs are on track. Government imposter scams People pretend to be officials from government agencies or public utilities and ask for money or personal information. Red flags to look out for: - Asking for money or fees to receive disaster aid - Requesting banking or personal information by phone/text - Refusing or unable to show official ID in person If a person contacts you claiming to be a FEMA or other government official, or someone working with your insurance company, do not engage. Call the agency directly using the phone number from the official website. “Don’t let anybody pressure you to make a quick decision prior to verifying who it is you’re dealing with,” said Brabant. Insurance scams Fake insurance representatives can contact you to get personal information or payment. Red flags to look out for: - Asking for policy numbers or personal details upfront - Claiming to be “partnered with your insurance” without proof - Pressuring you to pay or sign quickly “In the days and weeks following severe weather, your focus should be on safety and recovery, but it’s also a time when scams and misinformation can create additional stress. That’s why understanding your insurance coverage and knowing how to avoid common scams is so important,” Thomsen said. Scammers may try to insert themselves into your insurance process. You might be contacted by someone claiming to be a contractor or saying they work directly with your insurance company. Be cautious and never share your policy number, coverage details, or personal information unless you have independently verified who you’re dealing with and have a legitimate contract in place. It’s also important to understand what your insurance policy does and does not cover. For example, flood damage is typically not included in standard homeowners or renters insurance policies and requires separate flood insurance. Even if you’re not in a high-risk flood zone, flooding can still occur, so it’s worth reviewing your coverage ahead of time. Tips and resources - Verify first. Hang up and contact the organization using their official website contact info. - Never share personal information unless you’re sure the source is legitimate. - Don’t send money or pay fees for disaster assistance. - Check credentials. - Contractors should be licensed and insured. - Be cautious online. - Don’t click suspicious links or open unknown attachments. - Spread awareness. - Let friends, family, and neighbors know about these scams. If you suspect fraud or have been targeted, here are some resources: - Disaster Fraud Hotline for FEMA-related fraud) - 1-866-720-5721 - [email protected] - U.S. Department of Justice online complaint form - FTC Consumer Alert - Federal Trade Commission (FTC): general fraud - Federal Communications Commission (FCC): phone/text scams - Hawaii Insurance Division (for insurance help): 844-808-DCCA (3222) cca.hawaii.gov/ins Even outside of scams, protect yourself by: - Documenting all damage with photos/videos - Keeping receipts and records of expenses - Avoiding permanent repairs until approved by your insurer - Carefully reviewing settlement offers Take your time, verify information, and don’t let urgency or pressure push you into making decisions. Protecting your personal information and understanding your insurance rights are key steps toward a successful recovery. Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.