Here's how Menasha tornado victims, donors can guard against scams

It is a sad truth that in the wake of many natural disasters, it's not just volunteers armed with water bottles and boxes of food who swarm in to an affected area.

Residents and property owners need to be alert for bad actors and scammers who look to take advantage of victims following severe weather disasters. The Federal Communications Commission and Better Business Bureau Wisconsin both warn scammers or "storm chasers" can use phone, text and email or go door-to-door to appeal for donations to fake relief funds, pose as government officials or offer property repairs.

Such scammers are often after money or personal information, so it's important to note what you should do post-storm, what to be aware of and what legitimate officials will and won't do. Here are a few tips on how to avoid these scammers, and what to do to protect yourself.

Storm victims should assess and document the damage to their property.

Contact your insurance agency directly to start a claim.

Treat unsolicited offers to perform repairs with caution and skepticism.

Ask for local references, licenses and proof of insurance from a contractor you don't know.

Government agency officials will never ask for money. Anyone who does is an imposter.

Government disaster assistance officials will not call or text you asking for bank account information.

There is no fee to apply for disaster assistance from FEMA or the Small Business Administration.

If you get a call from someone claiming to be a government official, hang up and call the number listed on the agency's official website.

Independently verify any calls claiming to be from your insurance provider or a home improvement contractor. Call the business or your insurer directly to verify any details.

Contractors might claim they're working with your insurance company. Don't give out any policy numbers or personal information unless you already have a contract in place.  

If you suspect you've been contacted by a scammer, you can call the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster fraud hotline to report it at 1-866-720-5721. If you get a scam call, the FCC has an online complaint form.

The Better Business Bureau also urges donors to be careful about their giving, especially when the request is unsolicited.

The bureau said donors should exercise caution since emotional and urgent issues like natural disasters can give rise to a variety of relief scams. It recommends donors be wary of phone solicitations and online outreach, watch out for confusing nonprofit names, pressure to give immediately and vague program descriptions.

Several GoFundMe campaigns have been started by local victims of the severe storms and a GoFundMe spokesperson in a statement said its Trust & Safety Team continues to monitor fundraising campaigns and confirm Fox Cities area fundraisers' connections to family or friends they're raising money for.

"Being a trusted place to give and receive help is our top priority, especially during a natural disaster. Immediately following news reports, GoFundMe mobilized its dedicated crisis response team and began monitoring the platform for related fundraisers," the statement said. "Our Trust & Safety team continues to work around the clock to help ensure those affected are able to receive the support they need, and that funds are delivered quickly and safely." 

BBB urges people to research any nonprofits they're not sure about and directly contact local nonprofits to ensure their donations actually support those affected.

In the case of the July 27 storm, United Way Fox Cities created a tornado recovery effort web page with direct links to legitimate ways do donate, volunteer and report storm damage.

If you want to help and be certain your support will reach those affected, here's where Fox Cities nonprofits and community groups say you can direct your time, supplies and money.

Food/water: Local food pantries

Cash: Oshkosh and Fox Valley Community foundations with the United Way Fox Cities have created the Community Response Fund 2026 Tornado Relief for those affected by the tornado and severe storms. You can donate online, by mail or in person. 

Volunteers: Volunteer Fox Cities continues to coordinate volunteer efforts via its website.

We Energies spokesperson Matt Cullen said residents should exercise caution if contacted by someone who claims to be from the electric and natural gas utility.

Cullen said We Energies workers will always have an ID badge on them and will gladly show it to you if you request it. As a precaution, Cullen said residents in affected areas should ask to see workers' identification.

Cullen also said if residents get a call claiming to be from the utility and something doesn't feel right, they should hang up and call We Energies directly. He said legitimate We Energies' customer service representatives will have no issue with you hanging up and calling to verify them.

Contact business reporter Jeff Bollier at (920) 431-8387 or [email protected]. Follow him on X at @JeffBollier. 

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Here's how Menasha tornado victims, donors can guard against scams