Scammers are targeting people who want to donate to disaster relief or seek emergency help, the American Red Cross of Utah warned Friday, Oct. 9.

The warning is especially timely for Millcreek residents. As we reported Friday, Tropical Storm Rachel's remnants could drop 1 to 3 inches of rain across the Wasatch Front through Monday morning, Oct. 12, raising flash-flood risks along burn scars and low-lying areas. The Red Cross issued its alert amid both the Gulf Coast hurricane season and National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Michael Smauldon, executive director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah Chapter, said criminals move fast when emergencies dominate the news.

"Criminals take advantage of that urgency," Smauldon said in the Red Cross statement, first reported by ABC4. "Verifying a donation request or offer of assistance can help prevent financial loss or identity theft during an already difficult time."

The Red Cross identified three red flags that signal a scam:

  • Pressure to give right now. Legitimate charities do not demand immediate payment.
  • Unusual payment methods. Requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers are a warning sign.
  • Upfront fees for help. Official Red Cross disaster assistance is always free. Any operation charging a fee is fraudulent, the organization said.

All Red Cross aid is free.

Scammers create fake donation pages, send phishing emails and impersonate established relief agencies, according to the Red Cross. The tactics can make it hard for donors and storm victims alike to tell real help from fraud.

How to protect yourself

The Red Cross urged residents to donate only through redcross.org or another verified charity website rather than clicking links in unsolicited emails or text messages. The organization also recommended making digital security part of any emergency plan: back up important documents, keep devices updated and protect personal accounts before a disaster hits.

Anyone who encounters a suspected scam can file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Storm preparations continue

The Salt Lake Tribune reported Rachel, downgraded from a hurricane Thursday, Oct. 8, is expected to pass through Utah over the weekend before dissipating near Evanston, Wyoming, on Monday, Oct. 12. KUTV reported that the Utah Department of Transportation positioned heavy equipment and plows near burn scars and cleared drains ahead of the rain.

Cities including Sandy, Eagle Mountain, Pleasant Grove, Lindon, Tooele and Nephi have made free sandbags available to residents, according to ABC4. No Millcreek-specific sandbag locations have been announced.

Rain from Rachel's remnants is expected to continue through Monday morning, Oct. 12, with the heaviest totals along the Wasatch Front.