Hey there, Bay Area buddies! While you’re dodging falling branches during wildfires or navigating floodwaters like you’re in the latest survival reality show, let’s talk about a different kind of danger lurking in the chaos: the scammers who think you’re a juicy target. Because why should the natural disasters have all the fun?

In the wake of California’s latest firestorm—where homes are reduced to ashes and lives have been irreparably changed—Karina Layugan, a wise legal eagle from the Federal Trade Commission in Los Angeles, has some hot tips to avoid becoming a victim within a victimization. When everything is falling apart, the last thing you need is someone pretending to be from the utility company or FEMA, all while asking to “verify your information.” Spoiler alert: that’s code for “give me all your money and personal data.” So, if someone throws that phrase at you, don’t hesitate to question their motives or simply hang up and contact the organization directly. Your info has never been their priority—until now.

Layugan reminds us that scammers absolutely thrive on the post-disaster frenzy, spouting phrases like “act fast” to hustle you into a rash decision faster than you hit “skip ad” on YouTube. And here’s a classic scammer rule of thumb: FEMA will never charge you fees for assistance. So, if someone offers to help you score FEMA relief for a small up-front fee, it’s best to run—preferably in the opposite direction.

In the aftermath of a disaster, you might feel overwhelmed and tempted by the endless stream of contractors promising to swiftly restore your life to pre-apocalypse order. Remember, if someone wants cash upfront with no written contract, they’re likely looking to boost their own bank account, not yours.

It’s not just contractors; online reviews can be a goldmine if you search for the contractor’s name coupled with “scam” or “complaints”. It’s a tough game, but online sleuthing can save you lots of headaches and an empty wallet. And hot tip: always get multiple estimates. Can we say “competitive shopping”?

On that note, if you ever get a mysterious bill for a hot air balloon ride you definitely didn’t sign up for—like, do you even know how to reach that altitude?—it might be a sign that your identity has been stolen. If you find yourself in this unfortunate predicament, act fast: report it to the FTC, freeze your credit, and monitor your accounts. It’s like a post-disaster wellness check, but for your finances.

All in all, disasters are rough, but losing your hard-earned cash to a scalper in disguise is a crime against humanity. Arm yourself with knowledge, keep your wits about you, and remember: in a world of scammers, your skepticism is your best friend. Stay safe out there, friends!