Fraud & Cybersecurity Awareness

Natural disasters bring out the best in people—but unfortunately, they also bring out the worst. In the wake of catastrophic flooding across parts of the United States and with hurricane season in full swing, it's more important than ever to stay vigilant against fraud and cybercrime.

How Scammers Exploit Natural Disasters

Scammers often take advantage of the chaos that follows hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters. Victims of these events are emotionally and physically drained, and may be more likely to fall for a scam—especially when it appears that “help is on the way.”

Here are just a few ways fraudsters operate during and after disasters:

1. Phishing Scams Posing as Relief Organizations or Government Agencies

Fraudsters may contact disaster victims pretending to be from FEMA, the Red Cross, or even their bank. These phishing attempts often ask for sensitive information like Social Security numbers, bank account details, or insurance information under the guise of offering aid or processing relief claims.

2. Impersonation of Government Officials and Contractors

Scammers may visit homes or businesses claiming to be authorized disaster relief personnel or government representatives. They may offer “emergency loans” with exorbitant interest rates or claim they can expedite assistance in exchange for payment.

Others may pose as contractors, offering to begin repairs immediately if paid upfront—especially in cash—only to disappear without doing any work.

3. Charity Scams Preying on Good Intentions

Natural disasters often inspire an outpouring of generosity. Unfortunately, scammers set up fake charities, crowdfunding pages, or social media pleas for help designed to look real. They rely on your goodwill to steal money meant for those in need.

If you're donating to help our neighbors in Texas affected by recent flooding—or any disaster recovery effort—be sure to verify the organization before sending funds. Stick to well-known agencies and double-check URLs, email addresses, and phone numbers.

How to Protect Yourself

• Verify before you trust. Always confirm the legitimacy of a person or organization asking for money or sensitive information.

• Don’t pay in cash. Reputable contractors and relief workers will never insist on upfront cash payments.

• Be skeptical of urgency. Scammers use pressure tactics like “limited-time offers” or fake deadlines to rush you into a bad decision.

• Report suspicious activity. If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to local authorities or to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

At Fidelity Bank, we're committed to helping our community stay safe—not just financially, but digitally. If you believe your personal or banking information has been compromised, contact us right away.

Stay alert. Stay informed. Stay safe.