Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 9, 2026) — During National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is warning about online scams targeting people seeking disaster assistance and those donating to relief efforts as a hurricane approaches the Gulf Coast.

Scammers often exploit disasters by impersonating relief agencies, creating fake donation appeals and sending fraudulent offers of assistance. Phishing emails, social media posts and fake websites can make it difficult to distinguish legitimate requests from scams, especially when people are acting quickly to get help or support relief efforts.

“When disasters dominate the news, people want to act quickly, whether they are trying to protect their families or help others,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Criminals take advantage of that urgency. Verifying a donation request or offer of assistance can help prevent financial loss or identity theft during an already difficult time.”

The Red Cross of Southern Nevada is also advising families to make digital security part of their emergency preparedness plans, including protecting personal information and securing access to important documents.

How to Recognize Disaster-Related Scams
Scammers often pressure people to act immediately, leaving little time to verify whether a request is legitimate. The Red Cross of Southern Nevada recommends watching for these warning signs:

• Fraudulent donation appeals. Be cautious of unfamiliar websites, social media fundraisers and messages requesting immediate contributions following a disaster. Verify the charity and its website before donating.
• Phishing emails and text messages. Avoid clicking unfamiliar links or opening unexpected attachments, especially in messages requesting passwords, account information or other personal details.
• Fake disaster assistance offers. Be suspicious of anyone demanding payment or an upfront fee to receive emergency help. American Red Cross disaster assistance is always free.
• Unusual payment requests. Scammers may demand payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers, making stolen money difficult to recover.
• Impersonation of trusted agencies. Criminals may use familiar names and logos or slightly altered website addresses to make fraudulent messages appear authentic.

People wishing to support Red Cross disaster relief can donate directly at redcross.org rather than following unfamiliar links. Suspected fraud can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Protecting Personal Information Before Disaster Strikes
Families forced to evacuate because of wildfires, floods or other emergencies may need immediate access to identification, insurance policies, medical information and financial accounts. Lost or damaged phones and computers can make those records difficult to retrieve, and compromised accounts can slow recovery.

The Red Cross of Southern Nevada recommends adding digital security to household emergency plans:

• Protect important accounts. Enable multifactor authentication for email, banking and other accounts containing sensitive information. Use a strong, unique password for each account.
• Back up essential documents. Store secure digital copies of identification, insurance policies, medical records and other important documents in encrypted cloud storage or on a password-protected external drive.
• Keep devices updated. Install software and security updates on smartphones, computers and tablets, and enable automatic updates whenever possible.
• Verify emergency information. Confirm evacuation notices, shelter locations and recovery assistance through official government websites, trusted news outlets or established relief agencies.
• Prepare for loss of connectivity. Keep printed copies of emergency contacts and essential information in case devices are lost, damaged or unable to connect.

For more information on disaster preparedness and emergency planning, visit redcross.org/prepare.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.