Wildfire Scam #1: Fake Rental Listings
The Scam: An online post with an attractive rental that either doesn’t exist or isn’t the poster’s to rent. They will disappear on you after stealing your deposit or personal information.
How to Fight Back:
- Reverse Image Search: Use tools like Google Reverse Image Search to check if listing photos are stolen from other sites.
- Verify Ownership: Ask for proof of ownership (e.g., property tax records) or use a real estate agent to confirm legitimacy.
- Never Wire Money: Use credit cards or secure payment apps with fraud protection. Avoid cash, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
- Insist on a Tour: Demand a live video walkthrough or in-person visit before signing anything.
Smart Tips:
Stick to trusted platforms like Zillow or local realtor associations.
If it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
Los Angeles County Assessor’s Property Search: This tool allows you to search for property assessment information by address or Assessor’s Identification Number (AIN).
Wildfire Scam #2: Price Gouging
Know Your Rights:
- Anti-Gouging Laws: 35+ states ban excessive price hikes during declared emergencies. For example, California caps increases at 10% for 30 days post-disaster.
- Document Everything: Save leases, emails, texts, and ads as evidence.
- Report Immediately: California Department of Justice (Attorney General), Los Angeles County, Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA), Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD)
The California Attorney General’s Office:
File a complaint online: oag.ca.gov/complaints
Call: (800) 952-5225
Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA)
If the property is in Los Angeles County, DCBA handles landlord-tenant disputes, including price gouging.
File a complaint online: dcba.lacounty.gov
Call: (800) 593-8222
Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD)
If the property is in a city with rent control laws (e.g., Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Pasadena), report to the local rent control or housing department.
File a complaint: housing.lacity.org
Call: (866) 557-7368
Local City Attorney’s Office
Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office: (213) 978-8100
Wildfire Scam #3: Fraud Insurance Help
The Scam: Strangers pose as insurance adjusters, demanding upfront fees to “fast-track” your claim—then vanish.
Protect Your Payout:
- Verify Licenses: Use your state’s Department of Insurance website or the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters.
- Beware Cold Calls: Legitimate adjusters won’t pressure you. Hang up and contact your insurer directly.
- Never Pay Upfront: Licensed private adjusters take fees (Usually 4% to 10%) from your claim payout, not your wallet.
Wildfire Scam #4: Fake Charities and Loan Scams
How to Stay Safe:
- Research Charities: Use Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau.
- Avoid “Instant” Loans: If an offer requires your Social Security number or bank details upfront, it’s a trap.
- Check for HTTPS: Legitimate aid sites have secure URLs (look for the padlock icon on the URL).
Wildfire Scam #5: Dirty Contractors
The Scam: Unlicensed contractors offer quick, cheap repairs—then take your money and run, leaving work unfinished or unsafe.
Smart Steps to Take:
- Check Credentials: Search licenses on Angi or your California’s licensing board.
- Get At Least 3 Estimates: Compare bids to avoid overpricing.
- Demand a Contract: Include start/end dates, materials, warranties, and payment schedules. Never pay 100% upfront.
Red Flags:
- No physical business address
- “Leftover materials” discounts
- Pressure to decide immediately
Wildfire Scam #6: Predatory Land Buyers (Don't Sell Your Land)
The Scam: After wildfires or disasters, predatory investors swarm affected areas with unsolicited, lowball offers to buy your land. Often at a fraction of what your property actually costs. They target you because they know you may feel the pressure to sell quickly because of financial strain.
Governor Newsom’s Executive Order: In California, unsolicited offers to buy fire-damaged properties at “significantly below market value” are now illegal under Executive Order N-12-23. This shields homeowners from exploitation, including:
- Cold calls, door-to-door solicitations, or texts: Anyone pressuring you to sell isn’t looking out for your best interest.
- Cash offers: They may claim to “simplify” your recovery but this scam is designed to steal equity.
How to Stay Safe:
- Get Professional Appraisal: Know your land’s True Market Value before considering any sale. Your land may hold value even if your home is no longer there.
- Consult a Lawyer: A real estate attorney can review offers, explain your rights, and negotiate fair terms for you. Free or Low-cost aid is available, like Legal Aid Foundation or California Lawyers Association.
- Explore Rebuilding Options: Insurance payouts, FEMA grants, or state programs (California’s Wildfire Rebuild Program)
Rebuild Your Home with Confidence
Disasters like these recent wildfires test resilience, but knowledge is your best defense against awful people looking to take advantage of the vulnerable.
Stay Vigilant:
- Report Scams: File complaints with the FTC and California’s AG.
- Lean on Trusted Groups: FEMA, local housing authorities, and nonprofits like United Way can guide you.
- Take Your Time: Scammers thrive on urgency. Breathe, research, and ask questions.
You’ve already survived the worst. Now, arm yourself with these tools to rebuild safely—and reclaim your peace of mind. If you’re ready to consider a home builder, get in touch with us.
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