Hawaii officials warn of ‘storm chaser’ scams after Hurricane Lala

News admin August 26, 2026 0 Comments

Hawaii officials warn of ‘storm chaser’ scams after Hurricane Lala

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – State officials are warning the public about a potential rise in disaster-related scams in the wake of the Lala and Moke storms.

After severe weather or emergencies, scammers often try to exploit people who are vulnerable or in urgent need.

They’re called storm chasers — people who are looking to cash in after disasters and offer to make quick repairs at low prices.

Officials warn before you pay anyone for construction work, do your research. Don’t let emotion cloud your judgment, and be skeptical of any unsolicited offers.

“Be cautious of anyone who shows up at your doorstep unexpectedly, says they are already working in the neighborhood, or pressures you to sign a contract on the spot because they claim it’s a today only deal,” said JP Brabant of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ (DCCA) Consumer Resource Center.

You may receive a phone call, text, email, mail, social media message or even a visit from someone claiming to represent a federal agency like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These imposters may ask for money, fees, or personal financial information to “process” disaster assistance.

“A major red flag is anyone asking for money or personal financial information. Legitimate government agencies do not charge fees to apply for disaster assistance and won’t request sensitive information through unsolicited calls, texts, or emails,” said Sam Thomsen, chief investigator of DCCA’s Insurance Division.

Verify their identity and hire a licensed contractor

If someone offers you repair work, the first step is to visit businesscheck.hawaii.gov and check if the person has a valid contractor license in Hawaii. That means they’ve been vetted and are insured.

“Unlicensed contractors may promise quick repairs, immediate availability, or low prices, but consumers can be left with incomplete projects, substandard work, or inferior materials, and in some cases they may pay the contractor and then the contractor just up and disappears,” Brabant said, adding that you should never pay in full or in large upfront payments, and do not sign over your insurance check.

Here are DCCA’s 10 tips for construction projects:

Government imposter scams

People pretend to be officials from government agencies or public utilities and ask for money or personal information. Red flags to look out for:

If a person contacts you claiming to be a FEMA or other government official, or someone working with your insurance company, do not engage. Call the agency directly using the phone number from the official website.

“Don’t let anybody pressure you to make a quick decision prior to verifying who it is you’re dealing with,” said Brabant.

Insurance scams

Fake insurance representatives can contact you to get personal information or payment. Red flags to look out for:

“In the days and weeks following severe weather, your focus should be on safety and recovery, but it’s also a time when scams and misinformation can create additional stress. That’s why understanding your insurance coverage and knowing how to avoid common scams is so important,” Thomsen said.

Scammers may try to insert themselves into your insurance process. You might be contacted by someone claiming to be a contractor or saying they work directly with your insurance company. Be cautious and never share your policy number, coverage details, or personal information unless you have independently verified who you’re dealing with and have a legitimate contract in place.

It’s also important to understand what your insurance policy does and does not cover. For example, flood damage is typically not included in standard homeowners or renters insurance policies and requires separate flood insurance. Even if you’re not in a high-risk flood zone, flooding can still occur, so it’s worth reviewing your coverage ahead of time.

Tips and resources

If you suspect fraud or have been targeted, here are some resources:

Even outside of scams, protect yourself by:

Take your time, verify information, and don’t let urgency or pressure push you into making decisions. Protecting your personal information and understanding your insurance rights are key steps toward a successful recovery.