Natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and tornadoes bring chaos and upheaval. In the midst of extreme weather emergencies, evacuations, power outages, and destroyed homes, preventing information theft may not be at the top of your mind. However, these disasters can make you more vulnerable to identity theft, as critical documents and devices may be lost, stolen, or damaged, and the urgency of the situation often leads to lapses in security.

September is National Preparedness Month, the perfect time to create a plan to keep your personal identifiable information safe in case of a disaster. This guide walks you through how to put a plan in place to protect yourself from identity theft in the face of a disaster.

Key Takeaways

  • Natural disasters can increase your risk of identity theft due to chaos and lost or stolen personal information.
  • Before a disaster, secure important documents, back up digital data, and enhance device security, including using a VPN for safer internet access.
  • During a disaster, keep documents and devices with you, use secure connections, and monitor your accounts for unusual activity.
  • After a disaster, stay alert for scams and fraud, consider placing a credit freeze, and monitor your credit regularly.
  • IdentityIQ offers comprehensive protection, including identity theft monitoring, fraud restoration, and device protection with a password manager and VPN.

Real-Life Examples of Disaster Fraud

When your life is turned upside down, it’s easy to overlook the safety of your private information. Opportunistic criminals know this and may exploit the situation to gain access to your identity, leading to long-term consequences that extend far beyond the initial disaster.

Here are key examples of natural disasters in the past that scammers have used to perpetrate scams:

  • Maui Wildfire Charity Scams: In the aftermath of the devastating wildfires in Maui, scammers set up fake charities. These scams prey on the generosity of those wanting to help, leading to financial loss and stolen personal information.
  • Hurricane Ida Fraud: After Hurricane Ida, the FBI warned residents about various fraud schemes, including fake contractors offering repair services, fraudulent FEMA representatives, and identity theft. These scams took advantage of the urgency and desperation many felt in the wake of the disaster.
  • Hurricane Idalia Scams: In the wake of Hurricane Idalia, scammers targeted disaster survivors. These scams included phony government officials and fake charities offering fake services to expedite disaster relief.

Stages of Disaster Fraud Prevention

Effective disaster fraud protection involves proactive measures ahead of a disaster and prompt action during and after.

Planning Ahead Before a Disaster

Preparation is key to keeping your identity safe in the face of a disaster. Here are crucial steps you can take to help protect your information before disaster strikes:

1. Secure Important Documents and Information

  • Organize and store important documents, including passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and insurance policies, in a safety deposit box, lockbox, or another secure location. Ensure these are waterproof and fireproof if stored at home.
  • Keep copies or expired versions of essential documents like your driver’s license and medical insurance cards in your secure location. This allows you to quickly recover if you lose access to your wallet or purse.
  • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has more information here about how to prepare and organize your important documents before a disaster.

2. Back Up Digital Data

  • Regularly back up important digital files, including financial records, legal documents, and personal photos, to a secure cloud storage service. This helps ensure you can access your data even if your physical devices are damaged or destroyed.

3. Enhance Device Security

  • Install antivirus software and enable automatic updates on all your devices to protect against malware and other cyber threats.
  • Set up strong, unique passwords for all accounts and consider using a password manager for added security.
  • Ensure your devices are encrypted, so even if they fall into the wrong hands, your data remains protected.

4. Prepare for Connectivity Challenges

  • Install a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your devices to protect your internet connection, especially if you need to use public Wi-Fi during an evacuation. Public Wi-Fi networks can be easy targets for cybercriminals looking to intercept your data.
  • Keep a list of critical account information (e.g., bank accounts, insurance policies) in your secure location and on a secure cloud service, so you can access it even if you’re away from home.

5. Create an Emergency Contact List

  • Compile a list of emergency contacts, including financial institutions and insurance providers so you can quickly notify them if your personal information is compromised.

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Protecting Your Identity During a Disaster

In a disaster, your focus will be on physical safety, but it’s also important to take steps to help protect the safety of your identity.

1. Limit the Exposure of Your Personal Information

  • Keep your essential documents with you in a waterproof, portable container if you need to evacuate. Avoid leaving documents or devices unattended, as these can be easily stolen in the chaos.
  • When giving personal information over the phone or via the Internet, be careful. Scammers may pose as authorities or emergency services to extract sensitive information from you.

2. Use Secure Connections

  • If you need to access sensitive information online, use a VPN to ensure a secure connection, especially if you’re relying on public Wi-Fi. Avoid logging into financial accounts or conducting sensitive transactions over unsecured networks.

3. Monitor Your Accounts

  • Keep an eye on your bank and credit card accounts for any unusual activity. Set up alerts for transactions above a certain threshold, so you’re immediately notified of possibly suspicious activity.

4. Keep Devices Safe

  • If you can gather them safely, keep your devices with you. In the rush to evacuate or move to a safer location, it’s easy to leave behind a laptop or phone, which can contain a wealth of personal information.

Avoiding Identity Theft After a Disaster

Once the immediate danger has passed, it’s crucial to get back on track and remain vigilant against risks of fraud after a disaster:

1. Avoid Scams and Fraud

  • Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or texts from individuals claiming to represent FEMA, contractors, or charities. Scammers often target disaster survivors, posing as legitimate organizations to steal personal information or money.
  • Verify the identity of anyone requesting personal information. If someone claims to be from a government agency, contact the agency directly using a phone number from the actual agency website.
  • Be cautious of charity scams and online payment scams, which can affect even those not directly impacted by the disaster. Scammers may set up fake charities or impersonate real ones to solicit donations. Always research a charity before donating and avoid giving out personal information over the phone.
  • Report potential scams or fraud immediately to the relevant authorities. The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) has resources to help you report instances of disaster fraud.

2. Place a Credit Freeze or Fraud Alert

  • If you suspect your personal information has been compromised, consider placing a credit freeze or fraud alert on your accounts. This will require your permission before new credit accounts can be opened.

3. Monitor Your Credit and Identity

  • IdentityIQ can help you by monitoring your credit 24/7 and sending alerts for possibly suspicious activity in real time.
  • Regularly check your credit reports and bank statements for unauthorized transactions or new accounts. Report any discrepancies immediately.

4. Replace Lost or Stolen Documents

  • Contact the relevant authorities to replace any lost or stolen documents as soon as possible. This includes driver’s licenses, passports, social security cards, and insurance documents.

5. Stay Informed

  • Keep up to date with news about scams and identity theft trends following the disaster. Scammers often evolve their tactics, and staying informed can help you avoid becoming a victim. The FTC has resources to help you recognize and avoid scams after natural disasters.

Bottom Line

Natural disasters can disrupt every aspect of your life, including the safety of your personal information. By planning ahead, taking precautions during a disaster, and staying vigilant afterward, you can significantly reduce your risk of identity theft and fraud. Secure your important documents, protect your devices, and be cautious of scams that often follow in the wake of a disaster.

Comprehensive protection from IdentityIQ can help you safeguard your identity. With IdentityIQ identity theft monitoring, fraud restoration services, and robust device protection – including a password manager and VPN through Bitdefender® Total Security – IdentityIQ helps you stay protected at every turn. Don’t wait, get started with IdentityIQ today!