If a natural disaster has affected you, contact your lenders and service providers. This includes banks, mortgage lenders, credit card companies, and utilities companies. Explain your financial situation and explore options. Some may offer hardship programs like forbearance or payment deferral. They may also offer modified payments during emergencies.
For some, they may lose their credit card or have it stolen during a natural disaster. This can impede you from paying your credit card bill or stopping fraudulent charges. If this is the case for you, you’re protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act. By federal law your liability is limited to $50. If you report the card as lost or stolen before someone makes fraudulent charges, you are not liable. Plus, many credit card issuers offer a zero liability policy in case of fraud.
Download the Emergency Preparedness eBook for more information to help.
For more help, read After a Natural Disaster: Steps to Rebuild, Assistance and Other Resources.
