1. Ask for identification
The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) never charges for disaster assistance, so anyone asking you to pay for an application, an inspection, or faster processing is running a scam. FEMA employees carry an official government photo identification badge. If someone claims to represent FEMA or your insurer, ask to see identification and verify it before sharing personal information or signing documents.
Call the official FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) and provide the inspector’s name and any other requested information. The helpline should be able to confirm whether that individual is authorized to be in your area. Contact your insurance company if someone who claims to represent them shows up without prior notice.
2. Be cautious of disaster-relief texts and emails
Treat unexpected disaster-relief texts and emails as suspicious. Do not click links, open attachments, reply with personal information, or share a one-time code. Instead, use the official app, type the organization’s known website into your browser, or call a verified number. Scammers send messages that copy the look of FEMA, the American Red Cross, insurance carriers, and credit unions, then ask you to confirm an account number or a one-time passcode to release the funds. After a storm, many people are waiting on money, which makes the message believable.
HawaiiUSA will never text or call to ask for your password, your full account number, or a verification code. When a message looks urgent, open your account in the app or call the number on the back of your card instead.
3. Verify contractor licenses
Scammers focus on storm-damaged areas where they can collect deposits and leave jobs unfinished. Before you sign anything or hand over any money, confirm the contractor is licensed, even if you’re offered a lower project fee for signing now. Ask for the license number and business name that will appear on the contract. Take an extra day to check for licensing issues or complaints since a repair that fails inspection can cost more than the discount was worth.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs provides a free public license search, and its Complaints Office accepts reports about unlicensed work.
4. Avoid large deposits
Pay a reasonable deposit, typically no more than one-third of the total amount, then release the rest as work passes each stage so you have more control over the repairs. A written contract should list the scope, the materials, the total price, the payment schedule, and a start and finish date before any money changes hands. Contractors who demand full payment upfront, insist on cash, or ask you to wire funds are more likely to disappear.
Pay by check or credit card so there is a record, and hold the final payment until you have walked through the finished work.
5. Avoid advance-fee offers
Do not pay anyone who contacts you unexpectedly and charges an upfront fee to obtain disaster aid, to submit a disaster-loan application with the Small Business Administration, or to “guarantee” loan approval. Trustworthy private lenders disclose loan-related fees in writing, but no legitimate lender can guarantee approval regardless of your credit. Independently verify the lender before paying any fee, and walk away if someone promises approval in exchange for a processing or rush fee sent by wire.
Scammers may try to take advantage when you’re focused on getting your home and life back to normal. Taking these precautions can help you protect your money, your information, and your home. If recovery expenses are creating a cash-flow gap, consider contacting your financial institution directly to ask about available emergency assistance options rather than responding to unsolicited offers.
Hawaii disaster recovery resources:
HawaiiUSA Emergency Relief – Financial assistance for eligible members facing emergency-related expenses.
Aloha United Way 211 – Various support services and resources by county.
Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency – Disaster preparedness and recovery updates.
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Helpful information on hiring a licensed contractor.
FEMA Inspector verification – Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
U.S. Small Business Administration – Disaster recovery loans for small businesses, homeowners, and renters.
