what you need to know after the Spokane Complex fires.
In the aftermath of a disaster, communities often come together to help one another rebuild. We see people at their kindest, dedicating time, labor, and resources to uplift those facing immense hardship.
Unfortunately, these tragic situations also create opportunities for scammers looking to exploit people when they’re at their most vulnerable.
Whether a disaster like the 2026 Spokane Fire has directly impacted you or you’re looking for ways to support those in need, understanding the warning signs of disaster fraud can help protect your finances, your personal information, and your community.
What Is Disaster Fraud?
Disaster fraud occurs when scam artists, identity thieves, and other criminals take advantage of disaster survivors or the generosity of kindhearted people trying to help.
While it’s difficult to imagine someone exploiting a community during a crisis, these scams become increasingly common after natural disasters. The good news is that knowing what to look for can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
Who is Most at Risk for Disaster Fraud?
The people most likely to experience disaster fraud are those directly affected by the disaster.
When families are displaced, overwhelmed, or urgently trying to recover, they may be more vulnerable to high-pressure tactics and convincing scams. A single split-second decision can be the only barrier between your money or sensitive information and a fraudster.
Another group frequently targeted is compassionate community members who want to donate or provide financial support. Fraudsters often create fake charities or relief funds that appear legitimate, hoping generous people won’t take the time to verify where their donations are going.
Whether you’re a victim, a crisis volunteer, or both, knowing which category you fit into is vital to understanding which strategies a fraudster may use to try and trick you into giving away the information or assets they want.
Why Do Scammers Target Disaster Victims?
Disasters create uncertainty, urgency, and emotional stress. During these moments, people often need immediate assistance with housing, insurance, repairs, or financial relief.
Scammers understand that when emotions are running high, people are more likely to make quick decisions without verifying whether an offer is legitimate. If an individual is displaced, leading to exhaustion or hunger due to lack of housing and resources, they are even more likely to make a choice without fully thinking it through.
Fraudsters exploit this sense of urgency to pressure victims into sharing personal information or parting with money, all for the scammer’s gain.
Common Disaster Recovery Scams
- Fake Government Assistance
Scammers may pretend to represent federal or local agencies, offering disaster assistance in exchange for an upfront payment or personal information.
Remember:
- Government agencies such as FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Small Business Administration (SBA) will never charge you to apply for disaster assistance.
- They will never ask you to pay a fee to receive benefits.
- They will not ask for your FEMA registration number—they already have it.
- They will not request your banking information over unsolicited calls or visits.
- Fake Government Assistance
Some criminals pose as FEMA housing inspectors to steal money or sensitive information.
Legitimate FEMA inspectors:
- Carry official photo identification.
- Never charge a fee.
- Never ask for banking information.
- Never request your nine-digit FEMA registration number.
If someone claiming to represent FEMA visits your home and you never applied for assistance, it may be a sign that someone has used your identity to file a fraudulent claim.
- Fake FEMA Inspectors
Scammers may pretend to represent federal or local agencies, offering disaster assistance in exchange for an upfront payment or personal information.
Remember:
- Government agencies such as FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Small Business Administration (SBA) will never charge you to apply for disaster assistance.
- They will never ask you to pay a fee to receive benefits.
- They will not ask for your FEMA registration number—they already have it.
- They will not request your banking information over unsolicited calls or visits.
- Identity Theft
Natural disasters often create opportunities for identity thieves to steal personal information and file fake relief claims.
Always be cautious about sharing your:
- Social Security number
- Bank account information
- Insurance claim details
Only provide this information after independently verifying the identity of the organization requesting it.
- Fake Charities
Generous individuals willing to share their resources with those in need do immeasurable good for our community. Their contributions make a huge difference, changing real lives.
However, scammers have learned to deceive hopeful donors by creating fake charities. When looking for causes to fund, be sure to also keep an eye out for these red flags:
Always be cautious about sharing your:
- High-pressure tactics, such as demands for immediate donation
- Imposter names that sound similar to legitimate foundations or organizations
- Unusual payment methods like gift cards, Cash App, crypto, and wire transfers
- Unsolicited contact such as text messages, including emails or links
- Requests for sensitive information like your Social Security Number, banking information, or credit/debit card numbers
Donating to a cause that would greatly benefit from your generosity is a noble act. Financial support can sometimes make the greatest difference. If you want to give money to your community, make sure you:
- Research credible charities
- Protect your information
- Use official databases like the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search to confirm a charity is legitimate
How to Protect Yourself
One of the best ways to avoid disaster fraud is to slow down. Scammers rely on urgency, while legitimate organizations give you time to verify information and make informed decisions.
Here are a few ways to protect yourself:
-
- Pause before acting. Don’t let urgency override caution.
- Verify before you trust. Contact government agencies, charities, or businesses using phone numbers and websites you find independently.
- Seek assistance from trusted resources. Resources like Canopy Credit Union provide emergency relief loans to assist people in a crisis. These loans have 0% or low APRs and flexible terms to make getting back on your feet as easy as possible.
- Donate wisely. Give directly to established, well-known charities rather than responding to unsolicited emails, texts, or social media posts.
- Research contractors. Ask for license numbers, proof of insurance, and local references before signing any agreement.
- Document everything. Take photos of property damage before cleanup begins to support insurance claims and protect against fraud.
- Protect your personal information. Never share sensitive financial or personal information until you’ve confirmed who you’re dealing with.
Remember the S.A.F.E. Method
If you’re unsure whether someone is legitimate, remember S.A.F.E.
- Stay Calm
- Ask for Help
- Find the Facts
- Exit the Conversation
Taking a moment to pause can prevent costly mistakes.
Find Help You Can Trust
If you need assistance after a disaster, start with organizations you already know and trust.
Canopy Credit Union can connect you with reputable community resources and help you identify potential scams. Our free financial coaching can design a plan in response to your current situation, even if it feels hopeless. Our coaching is also available to everyone in the community, not just Canopy members.
Rather than clicking links in emails or responding to unexpected phone calls, visit official disaster relief websites directly or call organizations using verified phone numbers.
If you’re seeking federal disaster assistance, register by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov directly through your web browser rather than following unsolicited links.
If you’re in Spokane County, you can also find a collection of verified wildfire recovery resources through the county’s official wildfire resource page.
You're Not Alone
Recovering from a disaster is difficult enough without worrying about scams. By staying informed, slowing down before making financial decisions, and relying on trusted organizations, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones during the recovery process.
At Canopy, we’re committed to helping our community navigate financial challenges safely. If you have questions about a suspicious request or want additional fraud prevention resources, our team is here to help—including through our free fraud guide designed to help you recognize and avoid common scams.
