Hurricane Victims Beware

Sadly enough, hurricanes aren't the only force of nature that disaster victims need to be on the look out for. Apparently identity thieves are also interested in tearing your life apart and leaving you in shambles.

Today, MarketWatch picked up a piece the FTC has put out warning victims of hurricane Ike and those who would like to contribute to the relief for those victims to be on the look out for scam artists, home repair scams and fake charities, all wanting your money.

It certainly is admirable that the human side of us desires to contribute to relief funds intended to help victims of natural disasters. And those willing to do so should continue their efforts, and are to be commended. Identity theft is a devastating force in its own right. But targeting people trying to get their lives back in order, or those willing to help in such efforts is certainly demonstrative of subhuman behavior.

Don't be fooled by these creeps. Before you generously donate money to any charity or relief effort, do your homework. The article referenced from MarketWatch has links to a list of precautions that consumers should take when desiring to aid those in need. If you suspect that a charity is fake, or if you have become a victim of fraud or identity theft, contact the FTC and look immediately into getting identity theft protection, if you don't already have it. Even those who are already victims can get further protection and be eligible for recovery efforts. You don't have to do it alone.