When Disaster Strikes, REALTORS® Step Up to Protect Wildfire Victims
Losing a home to a wildfire is devastating enough—the last thing displaced families need is to fall victim to scams, price gouging, or fraudulent schemes. But unfortunately, in times of crisis, opportunists see an opening.
That’s why the California Association of REALTORS® (CAR) is stepping in, not just to help people rebuild, but to protect them from financial predators looking to take advantage of their situation.
As the Los Angeles wildfires continue to leave thousands of families displaced, CAR has launched a statewide awareness campaign to warn homeowners about fraudulent activities and offer financial aid to those in need.
If you or someone you know has lost a home due to wildfires, this guide will help you spot scams, understand your rights, and find legitimate resources to help you recover.
How Scammers Target Wildfire Victims
Let’s be real—after a disaster, emotions run high. Families are desperate for housing, unsure about their next steps, and exhausted from navigating insurance claims. Scammers know this and will try to prey on that vulnerability.
CAR is warning homeowners to be on the lookout for three major types of fraud that wildfire victims face:
🚨 1. Price Gouging in Rental Housing
With emergency housing in short supply, some landlords might see this as an opportunity to jack up prices. But California law says otherwise—when a state of emergency is declared, rent increases cannot exceed 10% of pre-disaster pricing.
Even if renters are willing to pay more, landlords are legally prohibited from accepting inflated rents. If you see a landlord violating this law, report it immediately to the California Attorney General’s Office at oag.ca.gov or call 1-800-952-5225.
🏡 2. Unsolicited, Undervalued Offers on Destroyed Properties
When a home is lost in a wildfire, homeowners may be bombarded with calls, texts, or emails from so-called “investors” offering quick cash for their damaged property.
🚫 Here’s the problem: Many of these buyers offer well below market value, hoping homeowners will panic-sell their land before they realize what it’s really worth.
🚨 Know Your Rights: Under the Governor’s Executive Order, wildfire victims are protected from being pressured by land speculators. If you receive an unsolicited, lowball offer, report it to the California Department of Real Estate.
💰 3. Fraudulent Contractors & Fake Fundraising Campaigns
It’s infuriating, but true—after natural disasters, scammers pose as contractors, charities, or even government officials to steal money from victims.
Common scams include:
- Fake rental listings asking for deposits on properties that don’t exist.
- Bogus crowdfunding campaigns claiming to help wildfire victims (but pocketing the money).
- Unlicensed contractors promising cheap repairs, then disappearing with the cash.
💡 How to Protect Yourself:
✅ Always verify contractors through the Contractors State License Board (cslb.ca.gov).
✅ If someone claims to be from FEMA or another government agency, ask for official credentials.
✅ Be wary of pressure tactics—legit agencies and nonprofits won’t rush you.
How REALTORS® Are Helping Wildfire Victims Recover
It’s not just about warning homeowners—California REALTORS® are actively helping communities rebuild. Here’s how:
💵 Financial Assistance Through the REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF)
The REALTORS® Relief Foundation has approved a $1 million donation to provide up to $1,000 in financial relief for eligible wildfire victims.
✅ If you lost your home in the fires, you can apply for disaster relief through CAR.
🏡 Helping Homeowners Understand Proposition 19
If you lost your home in a wildfire, Proposition 19 allows you to transfer your taxable property value to a new home—which can save you thousands in property taxes.
CAR is encouraging affected homeowners to take advantage of this benefit as they rebuild their lives.
A Message from REALTORS®: We’re Here to Protect You
Wildfires don’t just destroy homes—they shatter lives. The road to recovery is long, but one thing is certain: California REALTORS® stand with you.
CAR President Heather Ozur summed it up best:
“As professionals whose core values are tethered to building communities, we not only stand committed to helping rebuild what has been lost, but also aim to protect you however we can.”
💡 If you or a loved one has been affected by the wildfires, don’t go through this alone. Seek help, stay informed, and reach out to trusted professionals who have your best interests at heart.
📌 Need Help? Start Here:
✅ Report scams: Call 1-800-952-5225 (California Attorney General’s Office)
✅ Verify contractors: Visit cslb.ca.gov
✅ Apply for financial relief: Visit CAR.org
🔥 Stay safe, stay strong, and remember—California REALTORS® have your back.
Final Thoughts
Scammers don’t care about the loss and heartbreak wildfire victims experience—they only care about money. But when communities come together, when we educate ourselves and stay vigilant, we can outsmart fraudsters and rebuild stronger than ever.💬 Have you or someone you know been impacted by the wildfires? Share your experience or let us know how we can help. Let’s stand together and make sure every homeowner gets the protection and support they deserve.
