Kathy Stokes heads up the AARP Fraud Watch Network.

KAHULUI — Fake charities, FEMA impostors and shady contractors are among the scams to watch out for after a disaster, said Kathy Stokes, director of Fraud Prevention Programs at AARP.

“We always see storm chasers who seek to take advantage in the aftermath of disasters,” Stokes said. “They may impersonate government agencies, offer rebuilding services but they aren’t real contractors, or they steal money by claiming to be a related charity.”

Stokes, who heads up the AARP Fraud Watch Network, is coming to Maui for a free Scam Jam workshop on Friday, Sept. 8, at 9 a.m. at the Maui Beach Hotel. If you miss it, AARP Hawaii will broadcast a presentation on Saturday, Sept. 9, on Facebook Live on the AARP Hawaii Facebook page.

Participants will learn to spot and avoid disaster and other scams at each event. In addition, Kate Kleinert, a romance scam survivor-turned-fraud-warrior, will share how she has turned her heart-wrenching experience into a mission to educate others.

There’s no cost for the Scam Jam workshops, and you do not have to be an AARP member to attend. Participants are asked to bring a canned goods donation for the Maui Food Bank. Breakfast will be served before the workshops begin. Seating is limited, so participants must pre-register by going to aarp.org/local or calling 877-926-8300.

After a disaster, Stokes said charity fraud is rampant.

“We all have a desire to help people and communities affected by natural disasters,” she explained. “And criminals take advantage of that.” She cautions to support charities you know and trust, and to do your research before donating at sites like charitynavigator.org and give.org.

“Impostors that pretend to be from FEMA, insurance companies and relief agencies also flock to areas following a disaster,” Stokes explained. FEMA and other agencies do not charge fees for their help.

Stokes also warns survivors trying to rebuild to be wary of shady contractors that try to force quick decisions before you can check them out.

“You don’t want to react to unsolicited contractor offers,” Stokes said. “Pro-actively seek out bids from multiple contractors.”