More Than One-Third of Americans Have Experienced Fraudulent Activities After Being Affected by a Disaster Says AICPA Survey

Washington, D.C. (July 25, 2025) – Thirty-seven percent of Americans have experienced fraudulent activities after being personally and/or professionally impacted by a natural disaster, according to a recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).

When asked what types of fraud they had experienced, they reported: Identity theft - 14%; Government assistance fraud – 11%; Loan scams – 11%; Vendor fraud – 10%; Utility scams – 10%; Charity fraud – 10%; Insurance fraud – 10%; Contractor fraud – 8%. 

The survey also found that those in the Northeast (40%) and South (40%) were more likely to have experienced fraudulent activities as a result of being personally or professionally affected by a natural disaster than those in the Midwest (31%).