What are common scams targeting disaster victims?

The correct answer focuses on home repair scams and fraudulent charities, which are particularly prevalent in the aftermath of disasters.

After a disaster occurs, many people are left vulnerable and in urgent need of assistance, making them prime targets for scammers. Fraudulent home repair schemes exploit this need by offering services that are either subpar, unnecessary, or never delivered at all. Scammers may pose as contractors, offering quick repair services that are often paid in advance. This can leave victims with damaged property and no financial recourse.

Additionally, fraudulent charities frequently emerge after disasters, claiming to collect donations for victim relief. These scams can divert critical funds from legitimate organizations that provide essential services. Disaster victims, motivated by a desire to contribute or receive help, may unknowingly give to these dishonest entities, thus compounding their challenges.

In contrast, the other options do not specifically align with the immediate needs and vulnerabilities faced by victims of disasters. Online surveys and contests do not typically target disaster situations directly, and while bank services and investment opportunities or credit card offers and warranties may be relevant financial concerns, they do not address the acute assistance that disaster victims require in their time of crisis.