Scam-Proof Your Family Handout (PDF)

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Scammers read the news too

After the flood

A real disaster gives scammers urgency and a story you already believe, two things they usually have to fake. Most people offering help after the flood are honest. This page is about the ones who aren’t, and how to find real help.

How to find real help

  • Emergencies911
  • Shelter, housing help, disaster information2-1-1Colorado 211, or 211colorado.org
  • Archuleta County incident call center970-508-99288 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Non-emergency dispatch970-731-2160
  • Free volunteer help with flood cleanup (Crisis Cleanup)970-283-7325Help isn’t guaranteed; the need is big.
  • County alerts by text and email (Nixle)Sign upAlerts come from 888-777.
  • Road conditionsCOtrip.org

To give money or time

  • Archuleta County Flood Relief fund at the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado. The County announced it on Oct. 23. By check: payable to Community Foundation, with “2026 Archuleta Flood” in the memo, to P.O. Box 1673, Durango, CO 81302.
  • Pagosa Flood Relief: neighbors organizing volunteers, supply drop-offs, and deliveries. It’s run by Pagosa Springs Friends of the Wild, a local 501(c)(3). You can volunteer, donate supplies or money, or ask for help with cleanup, supplies, or transportation.
  • The American Red Cross is helping staff the evacuation center.
  • People you actually know.

Details change daily. The County posts current updates at archuletacounty.gov.

Same four things, new story

The four things almost every scam relies on sound like this right now.

  1. Urgency

    “My crew leaves town tomorrow.”

  2. Fear

    “Your foundation is failing.”

  3. Discretion

    “No need to call your insurance.”

  4. Irreversible payment

    “Cash deposit today.”

Real help will still be here tomorrow.

Flood scams to expect in Pagosa

  • Storm-chaser contractors

    “We’re in the area. Crew leaves tomorrow.”

    Get a written estimate and proof of insurance. Never pay in full up front, and never in cash, wire, gift cards, or crypto. Make the final payment when the work is done.

  • Fake government help

    “FEMA can speed up your aid, for a fee.”

    FEMA never charges for an inspection or for help applying. Real inspectors wear a government badge and won’t ask for bank information. Start with 211 or the County.

  • Fake insurance help

    “I’ll handle your claim. Just pay my fee now.”

    Public adjusters have to be licensed in Colorado and can’t charge before your claim settles. You can cancel their contract in writing within 72 hours, and you can always work with your insurer directly.

  • Fake fundraisers

    “Donate now for Pagosa flood victims.”

    Real photos of the flood get reused on fake pages. Give through the links on this page, or to people you know.

  • Phishing texts

    “Relief payment approved. Tap to confirm.”

    Don’t tap links in texts you weren’t expecting. Real updates come from Nixle, 211, the Town, and the County. Call your utility on the number on your bill.

  • Rental scams

    “Cabin available now. Wire the deposit.”

    See the place in person and sign a lease before you pay anything.

  • “Found your pet” scams

    “We found your dog. Send the shipping fee.”

    Go through the Humane Society of Pagosa Springs. Never pay before you see the animal in person.

  • Family emergency calls

    “Mom’s hurt in the flood. The roads are closed. Send money now.”

    These go to family who live out of town, sometimes in a cloned voice. Hang up and call back on a number you already have. A family code word ends the call in seconds.

Before you pay anyone for flood help, ask

  1. Who are you, and who do you work for?
  2. Can I see your ID and proof of insurance?
  3. Can I have that in writing?
  4. Can I pay by check or card when the work is done?
  5. Can I call you back after I check?

If they won’t answer all five, don’t hire them. Get their name, close the door, and call the company yourself.

Price gouging is illegal here right now

Colorado bans price gouging during a declared disaster and for 180 days after, and the governor’s declaration covers Archuleta County. Report it to Stop Fraud Colorado at 1-800-222-4444.

Where to report flood fraud

Next steps

Hear about hands-on workshops

I’m planning hands-on workshops that get more technical, like locking down phones and accounts and setting up kids’ devices. Leave your email and I’ll let you know when they’re scheduled. They run through my company, Cyber Summit Co.

What are you most worried about? (optional)

I’ll email you about workshops, nothing else. Every email has an unsubscribe link. Privacy

Talk it through with me

Book a free 20-minute call about your family’s situation. Tell me the specific thing you’re worried about, and we’ll work out what to do first.

Book a free 20-minute call

I’ll never ask you for a password or an account number.