
The aftermath of a disaster is overwhelming. Whether you’re a homeowner trying to rebuild, a renter who’s been displaced by fire, or someone looking to lend a helping hand through donations, it’s a difficult time. Unfortunately, it’s also prime time for scammers to strike. These fraudsters prey on vulnerabilities after disasters like the Los Angeles fires to launch a scam.
This post includes three common types of scams after disasters like the LA fires and, more importantly, how you can protect yourself and your community from falling victim.
After the Los Angeles Fires — Protecting Against Scam Risk

Homeowner Repair Scams
When your home has suffered damage, the urge to repair it as quickly as possible is strong. Scammers know this, and that’s why fake contractors are among the most prevalent disaster-related scams.
How It Happens:
These individuals or companies often show up unsolicited, offering urgent services to repair homes or clear debris. They may ask for large upfront payments or even cash, promising fast results. Once they collect the payment, they vanish.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify Licenses: Always ask for a contractor’s license and verify it through your local or state contractor licensing board.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t rush into hiring the first contractor you meet. Comparing multiple options can help you avoid inflated costs.
- Avoid Upfront Cash Payments: Reputable contractors don’t demand large sums upfront. Pay in installments tied to project milestones.
- Research Reviews: A quick Google search or a glance through trusted review platforms can reveal potential red flags.
Pro Tip: Be cautious of anyone pressuring you to make a quick decision without giving you time to do your due diligence.
Donation Scams Targeting Kind-Hearted Individuals
When disaster strikes, it’s heartwarming to see so many people wanting to help affected communities. Scammers, however, are quick to exploit this generosity.
How It Happens:
Fraudsters create fake charities or crowdfunding campaigns, convincing kind-hearted donors that their funds are going toward relief efforts. They often use emotional pleas, unverified claims, and phishing links to collect donations.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Donate Through Trusted Channels: Stick to well-known organizations, such as the Red Cross or local charities you’re familiar with.
- Verify Charities: Use resources like GuideStar or Charity Navigator to ensure the charity is reputable.
- Be Wary of Unsolicited Messages: Avoid clicking on links from emails or social media messages unless you’re 100% sure of their authenticity.
- Look for Transparency: Legitimate charities often provide clear information about how funds are being used. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Pro Tip: If a fundraiser seems too good to be true or overly bold with their claims, trust your instincts—it might just be a scam.

Fake Government Assistance or Insurance Scams
For those seeking disaster relief or assistance, navigating government aid and insurance claims can be stressful enough without adding fraudulent schemes into the mix.
How It Happens:
Scammers pose as representatives from government agencies, insurance companies, or emergency organizations. They’ll request fees or personal details—like Social Security numbers or bank info—to “process your claims” or “release your payment.”
How to Protect Yourself:
- Know the Rules: Legitimate agencies like FEMA don’t ask for fees to process aid.
- Use Official Contacts: Only call contact numbers and visit websites directly from credible government or organization sources (e.g., FEMA’s official website).
- Be Alert for Red Flags: Emails with poor grammar, urgent deadlines, or generic greetings like “Dear Resident” are telltale signs of a scam.
- Don’t Share Sensitive Data Over the Phone: If a caller pressures you to provide personal information, hang up and contact the organization directly through their verified contact details.
Pro Tip: Scammers often call or email pretending to have urgent information about your claim. Always verify their identity before proceeding.
Working Together to Fight Scams
Disasters bring out the best in communities, but sadly, also the worst in opportunistic scammers. By staying vigilant and informed about common schemes, you can protect yourself, your family, and even your community during challenging times.
Here’s how you can help combat these scams:
- Share this article with others so they know what to watch out for.
- Report suspicious activity to the authorities, such as your state’s attorney general or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Support only verified local charities or groups actively helping those affected.
Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the LA fires. Rebuilding and recovery take time, but together, we can ensure these efforts aren’t clouded by the actions of scammers.
Want more scam tips? See all my scam tips here. If you missed last month’s post, you can use this link to view Jan 2025 – card declined scam.
Thank you for writing this. I have reposted on my FB for those who may need this reminder. Sadly, all too many baddies come out at times like these. I hope you are doing well. The air quality has been bad here in SoCal, too. Take care.
We’re just north of San Diego, so we haven’t been hit with the awful air quality, but we did get hit with the Santa Anas and the dry conditions. Since I have trouble breathing when it gets super dry, I was sidelined for a couple of weeks. Fortunately, I’m getting back to normal now. Thanks for reposting this. People need to be aware and the best way is repetition!
If I ever find myself needing help with a problem either personal or financial I call one of the SIX shysters, I mean lawyers in my family. As the family elder I get a “really good discount”.
Congrats on having a very deep pool of resources, Norman!