The recent wildfires in our community have left many members dealing with significant financial hardship and in need of assistance to recover. Unfortunately, times of crisis also attract scammers who aim to exploit disaster survivors. At Logix, we want to ensure you have the resources to avoid scams and access legitimate assistance.
Here’s how you can protect yourself and your family from fraud while recovering from wildfire damage:
Common Post-Disaster Scams to Watch For
Scammers often impersonate trusted organizations or individuals, taking advantage of your stress and urgency. Here are the most common scams:
Fake Disaster Relief Requests: Scammers hack social media accounts or create fake ones, pretending to be friends or family asking for financial help via services like Zelle. Double-check requests for money, even if they appear to come from someone you know.
What to do:
- Confirm directly with the person requesting help. Call or meet them in person if possible.
- Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages.
- Be cautious of urgent or emotional appeals.
Impersonation of Government Workers: Scammers may claim to be FEMA or local disaster relief workers offering expedited assistance—for a fee. Genuine disaster workers never charge for assistance.
What to do:
- Always ask for identification. Legitimate government workers carry official IDs.
- Apply for FEMA relief only through official channels: www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
Contractor and Debris Removal Scams: Fraudulent contractors may demand full payment upfront or fail to complete the job.
What to do:
- Obtain multiple written estimates.
- Verify licenses, insurance, and references.
- Never pay in full before the job is done.
Impersonation of Logix (or other financial institution) staff:
What to do:
- Remember that logix will never call you and ask for your information.
- If you are contacted by your financial institution, politely hang up and call them back at their 800 number.
For more details on scams, visit the Logix Security Center: Logix Fraud & Security.
Protecting Yourself from Zelle Scams
Scammers increasingly use Zelle to exploit disaster survivors. A common scam involves hacked Facebook accounts where fake “friends” request money for disaster relief.
How to avoid falling victim:
- Verify any money request independently before sending funds.
- Use Zelle only for transactions with people you know and trust.
- Be cautious of unsolicited messages on social media or email.
If you believe you've been scammed, report it immediately to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721 or your local police department.
Resources for Legitimate Disaster Assistance
Accessing trustworthy resources is vital. Here are reliable options to get the help you need:
- Los Angeles County Recovery Centers:
- For direct assistance, visit L.A. County Recovery Centers.
- Additional resources: Recovery Resources.
- FEMA Assistance:
- Apply for federal aid: DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Get support for housing, medical needs, and rebuilding.
- Community Updates:
- Specific wildfire FAQs and damage maps:
- Logix Member Support:
- Logix is here to assist you with financial relief options. Visit our blog for tips and guidance: Disaster Relief Assistance.
- Logix is here to assist you with financial relief options. Visit our blog for tips and guidance: Disaster Relief Assistance.
Top Tips to Stay Safe
- Trust but Verify: Always confirm the identity of anyone offering help or requesting money.
- Secure Your Information:
- Government agencies will not call you asking for personal details.
- Avoid sharing sensitive information over the phone or online.
- Report Suspicious Activity:
- Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud: (866) 720-5721.
- Notify your local law enforcement.
- Stay Informed:
- Share tips with neighbors through platforms like Nextdoor, Facebook and more to increase awareness.
- Follow updates from trusted organizations in your community
Logix is Here for You
Your safety and financial well-being are our top priorities. If you have questions about avoiding scams or need assistance, don't hesitate to contact us. Together, we can rebuild stronger and smarter. Stay vigilant, and let's support each other through this challenging time.
Our Contact Center is available to serve you from 7 AM to 7 PM weekdays, and 9 AM to 3 PM PT on Saturdays, but keep in mind that due to extremely high call volumes, you may experience longer than usual wait times.
We continue to evaluate other beneficial actions, all with your well-being in mind. We know many members have been impacted by this event, and we are here to support you during these difficult times.
