LACIE SILVA
Editor
In the wake of Hurricane Helene and following the federal disaster declaration for flood-affected areas of East Tennessee, several state agencies have issued warnings about potential scams targeting those involved in recovery efforts as well as victims of the hurricane.
“We can expect to hear about an uptick in scams targeting flood victims and those trying to do the right thing to help,” said TBI Director David Rausch. “Now is the time to work together to make sure every dollar and every donation goes to help those who need it most and take our first steps toward recovery.”
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office, and the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, all committed to consumer protection, have expressed concern over individuals exploiting others during times of crisis. They urge the public to exercise caution, particularly when using payment apps like Venmo or CashApp, as scammers have been known to create accounts nearly identical to those of legitimate relief workers, often with only slight variations in usernames and similar profile pictures.
Additionally, affected victims are warned by the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office to be cautious when hiring professionals for repairs or donating money to relief efforts, as bad actors may take advantage of vulnerable disaster survivors. Price gouging, particularly on essentials such as water, food, fuel, and building materials, is illegal in Tennessee during times of disaster. The AG’s office encourages donors to verify charities through resources like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau before giving. To report scams or price gouging, contact the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs at 615-741-4737 or file a complaint online.
