North Carolina Survivors: Avoid Disaster-Related Scams and Fraud

As North Carolina residents work to recover from the recent flooding resulting from Hurricane Matthew, they should be on guard for and report suspicious activity of potential fraud and scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals who prey on survivors. The following are a few common post-disaster fraud practices:

Fraudulent phone calls or visits: Individuals claiming to be from FEMA and who do not have proper FEMA photo identification.

• Survivors will be asked to provide their Social Security number and banking information only when registering for FEMA assistance. They should never give this information to contractors.

Fake offers of federal aid: A phone or in-person solicitor promises to speed up the insurance, disaster assistance or building-permit process for a fee. Other scam artists promise a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.

• Federal workers do not solicit or accept money.

• FEMA and SBA staffers will never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or for assisting individuals fill out applications.

• If in doubt, survivors should not give out information.

Phony housing inspectors: If home damage is visible from the street, an owner/applicant may be especially vulnerable to fraudulent housing inspectors who claim to represent FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Applicants should ALWAYS:

• Ask to see the inspector’s identification badge. A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not proof of someone’s affiliation with the government. ederal employees and contractors carry official photo identification.

• FEMA inspectors will already have applicants’ nine digit registration number.

• FEMA inspectors will never require banking or other personal information.

  North Carolina residents should also be aware that FEMA housing inspectors verify damage. They do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs nor do they determine your eligibility for assistance.

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  Fraudulent building contractors: Disasters also attract fraudulent contractors who offer to begin work immediately and request a cash advance payment. When hiring a contractor: 

• Residents should only use licensed local contractors who are backed by reliable references and get written estimates from at least three contractors that include the cost of labor and materials. They should also read the fine print.

• Residents should insist that contractors carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. If he or she is not insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property.

• Don’t pay more than half the costs of repairs upfront.

Bogus pleas for post-disaster donations: Dishonest solicitors may play on the emotions of disaster survivors. These solicitations may come by phone, email, letter or face-to-face.

• Residents should verify legitimate solicitations by asking for the charity’s exact name, street address, phone number and website address, then phone the charity directly and confirm that the person asking for funds is an employee or volunteer.

• Residents should not pay donations with cash.

• Residents should request a receipt with the charity’s name, street address, and phone number.

Unfair Price Gouging:  North Carolina residents should also be on the lookout for price gouging by gas stations, hotels and other businesses serving disaster survivors in the state.

If you suspect someone is perpetrating fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, your local police department or the North Carolinas Fraud Hotline at 877-5-NOSCAM.

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