Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske is urging investors to be wary of scams in the aftermath of the destruction caused in Texas by Hurricane Harvey.
“As we are seeing in Texas, natural disasters bring out the best in people, with neighbors helping neighbors. Unfortunately, we know from experience that disasters also can bring out the worst in people, particularly those seeking to profit from the misfortune of others,” Cegavske said on Wednesday.
“Unsolicited investment offers seeking to capitalize on the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey should be approached with extreme caution,” she said.
Red flags include unsolicited email, social media messages, crowdfunding pitches or telephone calls promoting investment pools or bonds to help storm victims, water-removal and purification technologies, electricity-generating devices and distressed real estate remediation programs, the office said.
Cegavske said people can call the Nevada Secretary of State’s Securities Division at 775-684-5708 to check that both the seller and investment are licensed and registered.
The office also recommends giving only to registered charities with a track record.
Contact Ben Botkin at bbotkin@reviewjournal.com or 775-461-0661. Follow @BenBotkin1 on Twitter.