内容摘要：People watch a live broadcast of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander as he is released from Hamas captivity in Gaza, at a plaza known as the hostages square in Tel Aviv, Monday, May 12, 2025. Alexander was abducted during the Hamas-led attack on his base on October 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

People watch a live broadcast of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander as he is released from Hamas captivity in Gaza, at a plaza known as the hostages square in Tel Aviv, Monday, May 12, 2025. Alexander was abducted during the Hamas-led attack on his base on October 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Online review sites and searches for the contractor’s name with the word “scam” or “complaints” can help, as can confirming the license and insurance information of anyone you work with.“Always do your own research and get a second estimate,” Layugan said.

In 2023 alone, roughly 1 million people reported identity theft, 2.6 million people reported fraud, and 1.9 million reported other types of scams to the FTC. Here are some ways to protect yourself from identity theft and scams, especially after disasters:It can take time to realize. According to the FTC, signs include:

— A phone, electricity, or gas account opened in your name— Debt collection calls for accounts you didn’t open

— Bills for things you didn’t buy

— Medical bills or insurance charges for procedures you didn’t haveA beluga whale swims through the Churchill River, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, near Churchill, Manitoba. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

The town is promoting tourism for beluga whales, although those too may be harmed as the entire Hudson Bay ecosystem, including the food the belugas eat, shifts to one usually seen further south. It’s also highlighting visitors’ prospects for seeing the northern lights, spotting birds they can’t see at home, and even trying dogsledding.“In time you’re going to lose bear season. And we know that. Anyway, it’s just a matter of we’re going to have to adapt to that change,” said Mike Spence, mayor since 1995. “You can’t stew over it. That’s not going to get you any points.”

Churchill Mayor Mike Spence, a member of the Cree First Nation, poses for a portrait, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, at the Seaport Hotel in Churchill, Manitoba. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)Churchill Mayor Mike Spence, a member of the Cree First Nation, poses for a portrait, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, at the Seaport Hotel in Churchill, Manitoba. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)