Get ready for Frankenstorm scams – National Consumers League

By John Breyault, NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications and Fraud

Many consumers on the East Coast are battening down the hatches in preparation for the so-called “Frankenstorm” that is on track to pummel the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states this weekend and early next week. Once the storm passes, however, a new type of threat is sure to pop up – scam artists.

After practically every natural disaster, fraudsters pop up with cons ranging from charity scams to bogus home-repair offers.  Before your power goes out, be sure to check out our consumer guides on these two scams:

Top 10 red flags of home repair scams

Tips for spotting charity scams

Bonus! If you’re considering escaping to somewhere with normal weather for a little R&R, check out our consumer guide to travel scams before you leave.

Finally, if you’ve fallen victim to or been approached by any scam artist, be sure to report it to NCL’s Fraud Center at www.fraud.org.