State leaders warn storm victims, donors to be wary of scams

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds met with officials in Rock Rapids June 24, 2024, following major flooding in recent days. (Photo courtesy of Gov. Kim Reynolds' office)

State officials are cautioning Iowans to stay alert of potential scam artists who may try to take advantage of people responding to recent natural disasters.

Iowa has faced a wave of recent natural disasters, including major flooding during the past week along the Missouri River and connected waterways. The severe flooding in northwest Iowa has led to evacuation orders in multiple communities in northwest Iowa, including Smithland, Rodney and Rock Valley in the past week, as well as the death of a man in Clay County and collapse of a bridge between Sioux City and North Sioux City, South Dakota.

Gov. Kim Reynolds said Sunday that 1,900 properties were damaged or destroyed during flooding. As residents and local officials in flood areas prepare for the disaster recovery process, State Auditor Rob Sand called for people to practice caution when making donations or seeking contractors.

Sand told reporters during a news conference Wednesday there have not been any scams reported related to flooding, but “that is largely a matter of time.”

“In these kinds of times, we want to look for the helpers and all the people that are out there doing good,” Sand said. “But we also need to keep in mind that if something sounds like it’s too good a deal or if someone wants a lot of money up front, there are also people out there in the world who look take advantage of these kinds of situations. They literally go around the country following storms and try to take advantage of people who are in their worst situation in their life, and we’ve got to watch out for that.”

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency , common scams related to natural disasters include people who fraudulently pose as housing inspectors and building contractors, and people who pose as government disaster workers claiming to need bank account information or money before providing financial assistance.

President Joe Biden approved federal aid for flooded areas in Iowa earlier this week. Individuals in five counties — Clay, Emmet, Lyon, Plymouth, and Sioux counties — can apply for Individual Assistance Program funds through the FEMA disaster assistance website , and businesses for low-interest disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s loan portal .

FEMA is also offering funding for state, tribal and local governments and some nonprofits through the Public Assistance Program for disaster response work in Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, and Sioux counties, as well as funding for hazard mitigation measures statewide on a cost-sharing basis.

Sand and FEMA officials have also stated that federal and state workers will never ask for money from people seeking assistance, and that individuals can check for identification badges from staff to ensure their legitimacy. When working with businesses in disaster recovery efforts, Sand offered tips in a news release, including ensuring vendors are legitimate by calling a verified number, requesting copies of contractors’ liability insurance information, and getting multiple estimates from contractors.

Iowans should also watch out for fraudulent donation efforts related to flooding, Sand said.

“Iowans are known for rallying around victims of natural disasters,” Sand said in a statement. “Communities come together to help with clean-up and provide for people who have lost everything. Unfortunately, natural disasters are also calling cards for con artists.”

Iowa Emergency Management Director John Benson cautioned people seeking to make donations to go through government or otherwise verified channels.

“One of the things you run into unfortunately in the middle of a disaster is some bad actors,” he said Sunday. “Be cautious when you do donate.”

Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has compiled information online about how people can aid communities in need. Information on monetary and physical donations in Iowa communities impacted by flooding, as well as volunteer opportunities , are available on the state’s disaster recovery website. The website also contains information on state and federal assistance available to those impacted by recent severe weather.

Reynolds said there was a donation scam following the Greenfield tornado , and that the state government’s vetting ensures “it’s a secure individual that’s asking for that” money.

Benson also asked people to be aware that monetary donations are often more helpful to recovering communities than items.

“The one caution I will give you on donations — typically the best option available to you is to donate cash to those recovery funds,” Benson said. “Showing up with a truckload of stuff and things makes the situation worse. So be very cognizant of, when you want to donate, that you’re doing that correctly.”

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