Hurricane scammers: How to stay safe during national emergencies

During national weather emergencies, many turn to online platforms to get the latest news but don’t know about the threat lurking in the weeds: Hurricane scammers. Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton both showed their fair share of cybercriminals willing to take advantage of those online during a time of need. 

In today’s blog post, we’ll review why cybe crime increases during national emergencies, the examples shown during Hurricane Helene and Milton, and what you can do to stay cyber-safe during major storms. 

Why the increase in cyber attacks during hurricanes?

Emergencies, especially on the scale of the recent hurricanes, naturally draw widespread attention online. When a disaster hits, people flock to social media and news platforms for the latest information. In this chaotic digital environment, attackers see an opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities and mislead the public for their gain. There are two things cybercriminals can gain from misleading victims during a crisis: 

1. Emergency attention = Engagement. Sometimes scammers or people who spread misinformation during storms are just looking for clout. Deep fake and misinformation creators know that tensions are high and any emotionally charged content – like frightening images – will get them more likes and comments. Attackers know that in times of crisis, the more tragic the post, the more likely it is to spread like wildfire and the more clout and money they’ll gain. Additionally, platforms like X  and TikTok pay for engagements, creating a direct link to clout and financial gain. 
2. Fearful actions = Money. When people are scared they are less likely to think before they act. Cyberscammers know this and therefore know that a hurricane is the perfect time to convince social media users to take quick actions. Cybercriminals will use horrifying images and videos to bring in users and then urgently request monetary donations or link clicks. The pressure-cooker atmosphere of a national emergency causes users not to verify sources and leads to a higher scam success rate for the cyberscammer. 

Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton scams 

Several scams, including deep fake images and videos, were used throughout the recent Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. One of the most famous images, a young girl in a boat surrounded by floodwaters holding a puppy, garnered over a million views on X alone. The image creates sorrow and fear in the viewers as it takes two of the most vulnerable and loved species – children and puppies – and reflects them in a terrible scenario. Although no cyber victims were tricked into giving credentials or clicking a link, the creator likely received money from the X Creator Fund for the amount of engagement and impressions it received on the fake image. 

Social engineering also trends during national emergencies. In the case of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, scammers used social engineering techniques to impersonate FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) representatives. These fake officials urged victims to provide sensitive personal information to gain aid or financial credentials to donate to fraudulent disaster relief efforts. In a time when people were desperate to get help or support affected communities, cyber criminals knew people would act without thinking or verifying their status. 

Lastly, general misinformation rumours took over social media during the back-to-back hurricanes. Fake accounts, supported by X’s paid blue check marks, posted misleading information including claiming scary old footage to be from the present storms. Although the cyber criminal may not have gained financially through these tricks, they caused havoc and fear to spread wider during a time when the feelings were already strong. 

How to stay cyber safe during national emergencies

In times of crisis, it’s easy to forget about the threats found on the internet. To stay vigilant during these times use these three tips:

• Verify the Source of Information: Always take a moment to check the credibility of the account or platform sharing the information. Cross-reference the post with official sources like government websites, news outlets, or verified relief organizations.
• Do Your Own Search for Disaster Relief: Rather than clicking on links or donation requests directly from social media posts or unsolicited emails, visit official relief websites by entering the URL manually. This simple step can prevent falling for phishing scams or fraudulent charity requests.
• Pause and Think: When encountering shocking or emotionally charged content, take a moment to pause. Deep fakes often aim to provoke an emotional reaction, making you act without thinking. A quick fact-check or critical assessment can help you avoid being misled.

The rise of deep fake technology during natural disasters like hurricanes is a concerning trend, with cybercriminals using the chaos and urgency of emergencies to deceive the public. By understanding the tactics scammers use and knowing how to stay cyber safe, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from these digital threats during times of crisis. Always verify information, avoid impulsive actions, and stay informed about the latest cybersecurity practices. Stay (cyber) safe everyone!