In the wake of the flooding in Louisiana, the Federal Trade Commission has developed a series of blog posts with useful information for homeowners and people affected by the floods, and for those who want to help victims with charitable donations.
These three posts offer information and tips for dealing with disasters and flood-damaged vehicles being sold, and for charitable giving:
Surviving a flood – Dealing with the aftermath offers advice for dealing with the aftermath of a weather emergency/disaster. Topics include insurance claims, rental housing scams, clean-up and debris removal scams, assistance for homeowners from lenders, and options for paying bills.
Shopping for a car? Be alert for flood damage warns people that flood-damaged cars are often cleaned up and taken out of state for sale – as many as half of all vehicles damaged by flooding eventually return to market.
Helping Victims of the Flooding in Louisiana — Make Sure Your Donations Count advises that, before giving money to help people in disaster-affected areas, people should be sure their donations are going to a reputable organization.
The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.