After a Disaster
A Guide to Keep Your Phone Secure, Safeguard Your Information and Avoid Being Scammed
A Guide from SecureTheVillage
This is a concise guide on how to protect yourself from scams in the aftermath of a local disaster,
whether it's an earthquake, major fire, hurricane, or other crisis.
About Us:
Based in Los Angeles, SecureTheVillage is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a vision of making Southern California the cyber-safest metropolitan region in the United States for smaller businesses, nonprofits, families and individuals. Our leadership, board and advisory group includes cybersecurity pioneers, former FBI and law enforcement professionals, and top industry experts, providing the expertise our community needs to stay safe and resilient.
Learn more about us: securethevillage.org | © Copyright 2025. SecureTheVillage. All Rights Reserved.
When Your Smartphone is Your Lifeline: Keep it Secure!
During a disaster, if you lose your house and computers but have your smartphone, your phone becomes your vital tool for communication, accessing accounts, and rebuilding. Keep it SECURE!

Before Lost or Stolen, add a Passcode
Ensure it's locked with a strong PIN, biometric security, and remote wipe capability in case it's lost or stolen.

Don't Store Vital Info On Your Phone Only - Upload to the Cloud
Use cloud services (e.g., iCloud, Google Drive) so vital info can't be lost if your phone is stolen or damaged. Then you can retrieve backups of essential files and credentials.

Change Critical Passwords
Update passwords for key accounts in case compromised devices fall into the wrong hands. Use a password manager, if available.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Use the smartphone for MFA to secure important accounts like Google Drive, email, banks, etc.

Monitor for Fraud
Watch for suspicious activity on financial accounts and credit.

Contact Providers
Notify banks, email providers, and other critical services about the loss to secure accounts.
Verify Charities and Donation Requests
Check Official Registrations
Use trusted resources like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and IRS charity registries to verify nonprofit status before donating.
Recognize Scam Tactics
Beware of high-pressure donation appeals. Legitimate charities won't use threats or create artificial urgency.
Secure Payment Methods
Use credit cards or trusted online platforms like PayPal. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency demands.
Local Relief Resources
LA County residents can find official fire relief donation information at lacounty.gov/relief/
Watch Out for Scams

Fake Government or Relief Agency Calls
If someone calls claiming to be from FEMA, the Red Cross, or another disaster-relief agency, verify their identity.
  • Ask for a callback number, then research it by independently going to the official government or agency website.
  • Official agencies usually contact you by snail mail or email rather than making unsolicited phone calls to request personal details.

Contractor Fraud
After a disaster, scammers pose as contractors offering quick repairs
  • Always check a contractor's license or business registration, and references from past clients.
  • Use a written contract detailing work scope and cost.
  • Avoid paying the full amount upfront. A small deposit is normal, but legitimate contractors will not require 100% payment before work begins.

Fake Insurance Representatives
If someone calls or shows up claiming to be from your insurance company, ask for official identification and confirm by calling the number on your policy documents—not a number the caller gives you.

Avoid and Report Price Gouging
Be alert to salespersons seeking to gain illegal profits for desperately needed products. Report violations.
Safeguard Personal Info

Don't Give Out Sensitive Data
Be wary of anyone who requests your Social Security Number (SSN), bank account information, or passwords to provide "immediate assistance." Official disaster aid does not require details like passwords or full bank login credentials.

Watch for Phishing Emails and Text Messages
Scammers may send links or attachments claiming to provide disaster updates, relief forms, or charity donation pages.
Always verify the sender's email address or phone number. If unsure, open a separate browser window and go directly to the official organization's website.

Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
If you need to log in to new relief portals or aid platforms, create unique, strong passwords. Whenever possible, enable MFA to safeguard your account.
Stay Informed from Official Channels

Local News and Emergency Management Websites
Rely on official sources such as local government websites, local news outlets, FEMA.gov, or RedCross.org. Scammers may create fake social media pages - double check the page's "blue check" or look for an official domain.

California Department of Insurance Help
The California Department of Insurance has created an excellent overall disaster guide for Californians. Go to its website, insurance.ca.gov/ and click on "Resources to Help Recent Wildfire Survivors".

Contact Utility Companies Directly
If someone claims they're from a power, water, or gas company to collect payment or offers immediate restoration, call the utility's customer service line to confirm. Don't trust - VERIFY.
Scams, Fraud? Report and Share

Report Suspected Fraud
Reporting helps authorities track scam patterns and warn others. Contact the US Dept Justice National Center for Disaster Fraud at or call their (24/7) Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866.720.5721.
Contact your state Attorney General's office or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if you encounter suspicious activities. In California, the Department of Consumer Affairs website offers a means to report and seek help.

Warn Neighbors and Local Community
Word of mouth is powerful. If you see or hear about a scam, let friends, family, and neighbors know. Post in local Facebook groups or Nextdoor to keep the community informed.

Keep Good Records
If you suspect fraud, document the scam attempt—save emails, texts, or screenshots of posts. This evidence can help investigators.

Have You Been Scammed?
Learn more about us: securethevillage.org | © Copyright 2025. SecureTheVillage. All Rights Reserved.