JACKSONVILLE, Fl. – As Floridians recover from Hurricane Isaias, scammers may show up at the door or call pretending to be FEMA representatives, tree-removal crews or debris-removal contractors, Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham said.The approach often relies on pressure: A scammer may promise to clear debris or remove a tree, then push a homeowner to pay immediately. Branham said people can be left without the promised work after handing over money.“These scammers are very sophisticated,” Branham said. “Take a beat. Take a pause. Don’t feel pressured, and please don’t pay anything upfront.”Older adults are not the only people being targeted, she said. But scammers may try to take advantage of someone who is willing to stay on the phone or speak with a visitor at the door. Fear and anxiety after a storm can make anyone more vulnerable to a rushed decision.Branham said she has encountered people impersonating FEMA and only realized something was wrong after asking a series of questions. She urged residents to slow down, ask questions and independently verify anyone claiming to represent a government agency, insurer or contractor.What is caller ID spoofing?Scammers can also manipulate caller ID so a call appears to come from a legitimate business or government agency. Branham said her stepfather once received a spoofed call that appeared to come from USAA and believed he was speaking with a legitimate representative.If a call seems suspicious, hang up and call the organization using a number you independently know is legitimate — such as the number printed on your bank or insurance card. Don’t rely on the number displayed on caller ID.Sign up for Operation Senior Shield alertsThe Florida Department of Elder Affairs created Operation Senior Shield, an alert system that shares information about current scams by text, email or phone call. Branham said the alerts are informational and do not ask recipients to click a link. It is free to register and while, it was designed for senior citizens anyone can receive the alerts.Branham said thousands of people across more than 60 Florida counties have signed up, you can too by clicking on this link or by searching Operation Senior Shield. Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.
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