After a disaster, scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals often attempt to take advantage of disaster survivors. FEMA is urging residents to watch for
and report any suspicious activity. Common post-disaster fraud practices include:
• Fake offers of state or federal aid: Federal and state workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration personnel
never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in completing applications.
• Phony housing inspectors: When a disaster occurs, applicants may be vulnerable to phony housing inspectors claiming to represent FEMA to inspect damage. Ask to see the inspector’s identification badge. All FEMA personnel and contractors will have official laminated photo identification. A FEMA representative may need to contact you to verify personal data. You should request a FEMA identification number. If you are unsure of the caller’s identity or you are suspicious of someone who says he or she is a housing inspector sent by FEMA, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (711/VRS).
• Phony government workers: You may be contacted by scam artists posing as disaster workers who are seeking money for services. Federal, state and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money. Nor will federal disaster employees promise a disaster grant.
• Fraudulent charitable solicitations: Criminals exploit survivors by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating
phony websites designed to solicit contributions. Do not respond to unsolicited emails. For more information about avoiding charitable giving scams, visit
the Federal Trade Commission’s website regarding Scam Alerts at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alerts
• Rental listing scams: The Federal Trade Commission has information on how rental-listing scams work. Learn more at https://www.consumer.ftc.
gov/articles/0079-rental-listing-scams
• Unlicensed/uninsured contractors: Often after a disaster, individuals will represent themselves as legitimate contractors. Ask for references, be cautious
about advanced payments, and make sure they are licensed and obtain the proper permits. You may check contractor license information at https://consumer.
westchestergov.com/trades/find-a-licensed-contractor If you have knowledge of fraud, waste or abuse, you can report these tips—24 hours a day, seven days a week—to the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or email disaster@leo.gov. (Submitted)
If you believe you or a loved one has become a victim of a scam or identity theft, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff’s department, or contact the office of the New York state Attorney General: Consumer Protection Hotline, 800-697-1220 https://www.ny.gov/agencies/divisionconsumer-protection
https://dos.ny.gov/fileconsumer-complaint
