A new scam has surfaced targeting earthquake victims.

Recently many have gone through some nerve-rattling earthquakes that have put people on edge.

While many people are trying to put their lives back in order, there are con artists on the prowl searching for innocent earthquake victims. In light of the recent events, a new scam has surfaced targeting earthquake victims.

How this scam works:

• Victims are receiving phone calls from private or unknown number advising them a massive magnitude earthquake is about to strike, and residents should evacuate their homes immediately. • After the unsuspected victims leave their home, it becomes available for thieves to burglarize. Although many con artists may not know where the victims live, that information is easily obtainable through the internet, or by getting the victim to answer a few questions over the phone. As a reminder, many government agencies do not call residents and include personal greetings to alert them of an imminent natural disaster; instead, they send large scale alert notifications via text, “robo-dials,” the Emergency Alert System (E.A.S.), or through their various social media platforms. Please be aware if you do get a call, ask questions, and do not give out your personal information, especially if your house will be vacant. As always, you can call your local authority to verify if the phone call is legitimate.