Hurricane fraud is on the rise, feds warn. Beware these scams.
As Hurricane Milton steams toward Florida even as Americans continue to clean up from Hurricane Helene, another threat looms: scammers trying to exploit the disasters, and many people's impulse to help those in need, by posing as legitimate charities. The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), established by the Justice Department after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to protect people from scams following disasters, is warning the public to be leery of some hurricane-related solicitations for funds that could be efforts by criminals to steal your money or personal information. "In the wake of Helene, fraudsters will target victims of the storm along...
Fraudulent Polk County Roofer Faces 10 Years For Hurricane Scam
Wilmer Maldonado mugshot photo by Polk County Sheriff’s Office. In the wake of Hurricane Milton’s devastation, Polk County authorities have arrested Wilmer Maldonado, owner of WM Roofing, for operating without a license and failing to provide workers’ compensation insurance. Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest, praising the swift action of his fraud detectives.