Florida Residents: Beware of Fraud, Scams and Price Gouging

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – State and federal recovery officials encourage Florida residents to watch for and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals who may try to prey on survivors vulnerable due to the recent hurricanes. They should also be on the lookout for price gouging by gas stations, hotels and other businesses serving disaster survivors in Florida.

FEMA encourages survivors to be especially vigilant for these common post-disaster fraud practices:

  • Fraudulent building contractors

  • Use only licensed local contractors backed by reliable references.

  • Demand that contractors carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.

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

     

  • Bogus pleas for post-disaster donations 

  • Verify legitimate solicitations by asking for the charity’s exact name, street address, phone number and Web address.

  • Phone the charity and confirm that the person asking for funds is a genuine employee or volunteer.

  • Don’t pay donations with cash.

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

     

  • Fake offers of state or federal aid

  • Beware of visits, telephone calls or e-mails — claiming to be from FEMA or the State of Florida — asking for your Social Security number, bank account number or other sensitive information.

  • Avoid scam artists who promise a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.

  • Federal and state workers never solicit or accept money or charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

Those who question the validity of a contact or suspect fraud are encouraged to call the toll free FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or the Florida Attorney General’s fraud and price gouging hotline at 866-966-7226. Complaints also may be made by contacting local law enforcement agencies.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery visit fema.gov/disaster/4280, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers. For imagery, video, graphics and releases, see fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

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Florida Residents: Beware of Fraud, Scams and Price Gouging

Federal, State, and Local Teams Continue Assessments in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In response to Hurricane Matthew, joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) teams continue to document damages to homes, businesses and public facilities that will be used to inform determinations for additional federal disaster assistance.  

PDA teams bring together local emergency management, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and FEMA. They visit areas identified by the state to document the extent of damage caused by the hurricane. PDA teams are currently deployed in Flagler and Putnam counties.  Tomorrow, a PDA team will also be in Indian River County to assess infrastructure damage. 

PDA teams document information that includes:

  • concentration of damages;
  • number of primary residences affected;
  • damage to public infrastructure; and
  • amount of insurance coverage.

The information is provided to the state. The teams do not visit every home or business and the PDA process does not guarantee federal assistance. The information is used by FEMA to determine which counties may be eligible for federal Individual Assistance and Public Assistance.

Other FEMA teams are canvassing areas hit by Hurricane Matthew in Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, Flagler, Putnam and Brevard counties. They visit homes, businesses, organizations and high-traffic locations in affected areas. They also meet with local officials and community leaders to provide additional eyes and ears to gather information on where damages exist. They report that information back to the PDA teams for further review.

All FEMA personnel carry identification and will not ask for personal information such as a social security number or banking information, and they will not ask for money. Anyone who suspects that someone is trying to impersonate a FEMA worker should call FEMA’s Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or the Florida Attorney General’s consumer protection hotline at    866-966-7226.

For more information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Matthew visit fema.gov/disaster/4283, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA, fema.gov/blog or #FLRecovers.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or video relay service). TTY users can call 800-462-7585.

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Federal, State, and Local Teams Continue Assessments in Florida

Survivors in St. James and West Baton Rouge Parishes May Receive FEMA Help, Urged to Register

BATON ROUGE, La. – Survivors in 22 Louisiana parishes may now be eligible for federal disaster assistance as a result of the continuing severe storms and floods that began Aug. 11.

St. James and West Baton Rouge parish disaster survivors may now be eligible for federal disaster assistance. They join Acadia, Ascension, Avoyelles, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Livingston, Point Coupee, St. Helena, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Vermilion, Washington and West Feliciana as parishes where survivors may receive FEMA help.

Apply for FEMA help three ways:

  • Log onto DisasterAssistance.gov with any computer, smartphone or tablet.
  • Download and use the FEMA mobile app.
  • If you cannot access the website or FEMA app call the FEMA helpline at 800-621- 3362. If you use TTY, call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

You don’t need to register again if you’re a survivor in St. James or West Baton Rouge parish who has already done so. The toll-free telephone numbers are operating from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

FEMA never charges fees to apply for or receive federal disaster assistance. State and federal officials encourage you to be alert for scams and report any suspicious activity by calling the Louisiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection hotline at 800-351-4889.

Assistance provided by FEMA for homeowners and renters can include grants for rent, temporary housing and home repairs to their primary residence, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs.

In addition, Assumption, Cameron, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist and West Baton Rouge parishes have joined Acadia, Ascension, Avoyelles, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Livingston, Point Coupee, St. Helena, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Vermilion, Washington and West Feliciana as parishes eligible for FEMA Public Assistance.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. The loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Homeowners and renters should apply as quickly as they can, even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments but underinsured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Residents are urged to contact their insurance company to file their flood insurance claims. For flood insurance policyholders who may have questions, FEMA has streamlined its process to better service claims and answer questions. Policyholders may call 800-621- 3362 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and select Option 2. Call center staff are available to assist policyholders with information regarding their policy, offer technical flood guidance to aid in recovery, and respond to general as well as complicated questions about the NFIP. Policyholders with questions specifically about an insurance claim can be transferred to their insurance carrier for additional assistance.

Download and use the FEMA mobile app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips. You can also check the status of your FEMA help application. The app provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations across the Nation. The latest feature of the app allows you to send notifications to your device to remind you to take important steps to prepare your home and family for disasters. Go to Ready.gov for more details.

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We urge everyone to continue to use caution in areas where floodwaters remain. Monitor DOTD’s www.511la.org website for updated road closure information. Look for advisories from your local  authorities and emergency managers. You can find the latest information on the state’s response at www.emergency.la.gov. GOHSEP also provides information on Facebook and Twitter. You can  receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service. You can also download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at  www.getagameplan.org.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to,

recover from, and mitigate all hazards.  Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of  money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing  disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at SBA.gov/disaster Deaf and hard-of- hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

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Survivors in St. James and West Baton Rouge Parishes May Receive FEMA Help, Urged to Register

Flood Survivors Urged to Avoid Fraud and Other Scams

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana recovery continues with the energy and work of businesses, voluntary, faith-based, and community-based organizations along with government agencies and committed citizens.

Unfortunately, disasters also bring out criminals looking to prey on survivors who appear to be rich targets for their fraudulent services.

Being cautious is essential to preventing rip-offs.  Don’t offer personal financial information over the phone. Know who you are dealing with. Never be shy about asking for identification. Government workers will never ask for a fee or payment. They always wear an official government photo ID.

Homeowners and registered FEMA applicants should watch out for housing inspectors claiming to represent FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration. Inspectors already have each applicant’s nine-digit registration number and a FEMA inspector will not ask for this number. FEMA inspectors never require banking or other personal information. The job of FEMA housing inspectors is to verify damage. Inspectors do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. They do not determine eligibility for assistance.

Watch out for middlemen who promise you will receive disaster grants or money, especially if they ask for an upfront payment.

Many survivors have been living in damaged homes or in hotels and motels or other emergency accommodation while their primary residences are being repaired and rebuilt.

Keep these consumer safety tips in mind when working with contractors:

  • Verify the license or registration number with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors at www.lacontractor.org or call 800-256-1392.

  • Get three written estimates for repair work. Then check credentials and contact your local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce to learn about any complaints against the contractor or business.

  • Before work begins, make sure you get a written contract detailing all the work to be performed, the costs, a projected completion date, and how to negotiate changes and settle disputes.

  • Louisiana, Attorney General Jeff Landryencourages you to use the following tips:

    • Take a picture of your contractor, his/her vehicle, and its license plate.
    • Take a picture of the contractor’s business card and his/her driver’s license.
    • Photograph or scan his/her contracting license and insurance.
    • Photograph or scan the contract made with him/her.
    • Photograph or scan all checks and money orders made as payments to the contractor.
    • Preserve all these photographs by emailing them to yourself and a trusted companion and/or by saving them in a cloud-based application.

  • If you suspect anyone – an inspector, disaster survivor, or someone posing as one of these – of fraudulent activities, call the FEMA toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or your local law enforcement officials.

  • To report a scam or sign up for consumer alerts, call Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-351-4889 or visit www.AGJeffLandry.com.

Charity scams take many forms, including emails containing links or attachments that direct users to phishing or malware-infected websites. Donation requests from fraudulent charitable organizations commonly appear after major natural disasters.

US-CERT encourages users to take the following measures to protect themselves:

Review the Federal Trade Commission warning at FTC alert and its information on Charity Scams.

  • Do not follow unsolicited web links or attachments in email messages.
  • Keep antivirus and other computer software up-to-date.
  • Check this Better Business Bureau (BBB) list for helping Louisiana flood victims before making any donations to this cause.
  • Verify the legitimacy of any email solicitation by contacting the organization directly through a trusted contact number. You can find trusted contact information for many charities on the BBB National Charity Report Index.

There is no fee to apply for FEMA disaster assistance or to receive it. The only ways to register for FEMA help are to:

  • Call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585)

  • Visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or speak to a FEMA employee at a Discovery Recovery Center.

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    FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.  Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

    Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

    The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

    For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800)877-8339.

    Download the FEMA mobile app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips. The app provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations across the Nation. The latest feature of the app allows you to send notifications to your device to remind you to take important steps to prepare your home and family for disasters. Go to Ready.gov for more details.

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Flood Survivors Urged to Avoid Fraud and Other Scams

Protect Yourself from Disaster-Related Fraud and Scams

AUSTIN, Texas – As storms and flooding wreak havoc across Texas, FEMA officials are warning of another danger: scam artists and unscrupulous contractors out to fleece communities and survivors struggling to recover from disaster.

Be aware of these most common post-disaster scams:

Housing inspectors: If home damage is visible from the street, an owner/applicant may be vulnerable to those who pose as housing inspectors and claim to represent FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration.

  • Ask for identification. Federal and state representatives carry photo ID. A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not proof of affiliation with the government.

  • FEMA inspectors never ask for banking or other personal information. < >EMA housing inspectors verify damage but do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. They do not determine eligibility for assistance.

  • Use licensed local contractors backed by reliable references; recovery experts recommend getting a written estimate from at least three contractors, including the cost of labor and materials; and read the fine print.

  • Demand 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.

  • Avoid paying more than half the costs upfront. Doing so offers little incentive for the contractor to return to complete repairs.

Pleas for post-disaster donations: Con artists play on the sympathies of disaster survivors, knowing that people want to help others in need. Disaster aid solicitations may arrive by phone, email, letter or face-to-face visits. Verify charitable solicitations:

  • Ask for the charity’s exact name, street address, phone number and web address, then phone the charity to confirm that the person asking for funds is an employee or volunteer.

  • Don’t pay with cash. Pay with a check made out to the charity in case funds must be stopped later.

  • Request a receipt. Legitimate nonprofit agencies routinely provide receipts for tax purposes.

Offers of state or federal aid: Beware of anyone claiming to be from FEMA or the state and asking for a Social Security number, bank account number or other sensitive information. Scammers may solicit by phone or in person, promising to speed up the insurance, disaster assistance or building permit process. Others promise a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments. Here’s how to protect yourself:

  • Federal and state workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and SBA staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. If you have any doubts, do not give out information and file a report with the police.

If you suspect fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. If you are a victim of a home repair or price-gouging scam, call the Office of the Texas Attorney General at 800-252-8011. For information regarding disaster-related fraud and how to protect yourself, visit texasattorneygeneral.gov/cpd/disaster-scams.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

# # #

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

Originally posted here:  

Protect Yourself from Disaster-Related Fraud and Scams

Be On Alert for Disaster-Related Fraud and Scams

AUSTIN, Texas – State and federal recovery officials encourage Texans to watch for and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals. Also, FEMA does not endorse any commercial businesses, products or services.

FEMA encourages survivors as well as local residents and businesses to be especially vigilant for these common post-disaster fraud practices:

Fraudulent building contractors. When hiring a contractor:

  • Use licensed local contractors backed by reliable references.
  • Demand that contractors carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
  • Do not pay more than half the costs of repairs upfront.

Bogus pleas for post-disaster donations. Often, unscrupulous solicitors may play on the emotions of disaster survivors, residents and business owners. Be aware that disaster aid solicitations may arrive by phone, email, letter or face-to-face visits. To ensure a charity is legitimate:

  • Ask for the requestor’s name as well as the charity’s exact name, street address, phone number and website address – then call the charity directly to confirm the person asking for funds is an employee or volunteer.
  • Whether making a donation by cash or with a credit card, request a receipt including the charity’s name, street address and phone number.
  • With text messages, the five-to-six digit numbers known as a short code makes it difficult to tell who is on the receiving end. A legitimate charity will not ask for personal information or a credit card number by text.

Identity theft. Beware of visits, calls or e-mails from people claiming to be from FEMA, the state of Texas or a volunteer group. They will ask for an applicant’s Social Security number, bank account number or other sensitive information because their real goal is to steal personal identity and money.

  • Don’t fall for scam artists who promise a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.
  • Federal and state workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

Phony housing inspectors. Homeowners and registered FEMA applicants should watch out for housing inspectors claiming to represent FEMA or the SBA.

  • Inspectors already have each applicant’s nine-digit registration number and a FEMA inspector will not ask for this number.
  • FEMA inspectors NEVER require banking or other personal information.
  • The job of FEMA housing inspectors is to verify damage. Inspectors do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. They do not determine eligibility for assistance.

Federal and state representatives carry photo identification. Ask to see it. If unsure, call FEMA to verify the employee at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 800-462-7585.

If fraud is suspected, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. If you are a victim, suspect a home repair scam, are contacted for unsolicited information, or believe a business is practicing price gouging, call the Office of the Texas Attorney General at 800-252-8011.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. 

Read article here: 

Be On Alert for Disaster-Related Fraud and Scams

Be Aware and Beware of Disaster-Related Fraud and Scams

AUSTIN, Texas – State and federal recovery officials encourage Texans to watch for and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals. Also, be aware FEMA does not endorse any commercial businesses, products or services.

FEMA encourages survivors as well as local residents and businesses to be especially vigilant for these common post-disaster fraud practices:

Fraudulent building contractors. When hiring a contractor:

  • Use licensed local contractors backed by reliable references.
  • Demand that contractors carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
  • Don’t pay more than half the costs of repairs upfront.

Bogus pleas for post-disaster donations. Often, unscrupulous solicitors may play on the emotions of disaster survivors, residents and business owners. Be aware that disaster aid solicitations may arrive by phone, email, letter or face-to-face visits. To ensure a charity is legitimate:

  • Ask for the requestor’s name as well as the charity’s exact name, street address, phone number and website address – then call the charity directly to confirm the person asking for funds is an employee or volunteer.
  • Whether making a donation by cash or with a credit card, request a receipt that includes the charity’s name, street address and phone number.
  • The five-to-six digit numbers known as short codes make it difficult to tell who is on the receiving end of a text. A legitimate charity will not ask you to send personal information or a credit card number by text.

Fake offers of state or federal aid: Beware of visits, calls or e-mails – from people claiming to be from FEMA or the State of Texas – asking for an applicant’s Social Security number, bank account number or other sensitive information.

  • Don’t fall for scam artists who promise a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.
  • Federal and state workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

Phony housing inspectors. Homeowners and registered FEMA applicants should watch out for phony housing inspectors claiming to represent FEMA or the SBA.

  • Inspectors already have each applicant’s nine-digit registration number and a FEMA inspector will not ask for this number.
  • FEMA inspectors NEVER require banking or other personal information.
  • The job of FEMA housing inspectors is to verify damage. Inspectors do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. They do not determine eligibility for assistance.

If you suspect fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. If you are the victim of or are the victim of a home repair scam or price gouging, call the Office of the Texas Attorney General at 800-252-8011.
 

# # #

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. 

Visit link: 

Be Aware and Beware of Disaster-Related Fraud and Scams

Beware: Disaster Recovery is Fertile Ground for Fraud and Scam Artists

AUSTIN, Texas – State and federal recovery officials encourage Texas residents to watch for and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals who may try to prey on survivors vulnerable due to the October severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) does not endorse any commercial businesses, products or services. FEMA encourages survivors to be especially vigilant for these common post-disaster fraud practices:

• Fraudulent building contractors. When hiring a contractor:

o Use licensed local contractors backed by reliable references.

o Demand that contractors carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.

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

• Bogus pleas for post-disaster donations: Unscrupulous solicitors may play on the emotions of disaster survivors. Disaster aid solicitations may arrive by phone, email, letter or face-to-face visits.

o Verify legitimate solicitations by asking for the charity’s exact name, street address, phone number and Web address, then phone the charity directly and confirm that the person asking for funds is an employee or volunteer.

o Don’t pay donations with cash.

o Request a receipt with the charity’s name, street address, phone number.

• Fake offers of state or federal aid:

o Beware of visits, calls or e-mails — claiming to be from FEMA or the State of Texas — asking for an applicant’s Social Security number, bank account number or other sensitive information. Avoid scam artists who promise a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.

o Federal and state workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

• Phony housing inspectors: Homeowners and registered FEMA applicants may be vulnerable to phony housing inspectors claiming to represent FEMA or the SBA.

o Inspectors have each applicant’s nine-digit registration number. FEMA inspectors NEVER require banking or other personal information.

o The job of FEMA housing inspectors is to verify damage. Inspectors do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. They do not determine eligibility for assistance.

If you suspect fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. If you are the victim of a home repair scam or price gouging, call the Office of the Texas Attorney General at 800-252-8011. Texas homeowners and renters who register for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), prior to the Jan. 25 deadline, are encouraged by recovery officials to “stay in touch.” Survivors changing their address or phone numbers should update that information with FEMA. Missing or erroneous information could result in delays getting a home inspection or in receiving assistance.

Survivors with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who need to register for assistance may visit online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone (voice, 711 or relay service) at 800-621-3362. (TTY users should call 800-462-7585.) The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available. For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4245, Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

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All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

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Beware: Disaster Recovery is Fertile Ground for Fraud and Scam Artists

Kentucky Storm and Flood Survivors Urged to Beware of Frauds and Scams

FRANKFORT, Ky – Kentuckians recovering and rebuilding from recent storms and flooding are urged to watch for and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud.

Even as government agencies and charitable groups continue to provide disaster assistance, scam artists and other criminals may attempt to prey on vulnerable survivors, including the disabled and elderly. The most common post-disaster fraud practices include phony housing inspectors, fraudulent building contractors or repair service providers, taking money before work is performed, shoddy work, identity theft, bank account or credit card phishing, price gouging, bogus pleas for disaster donations, and fake offers of state or federal aid.

Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail, email, or in person. Con artists are creative and resourceful, so survivors are encouraged to remain alert, ask questions and require identification when someone claims to be an official or represent a government agency.

Survivors should also keep in mind that state and federal workers never ask for or accept money, and always carry identification badges with a photograph. No fee required to apply for or to get disaster assistance from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) or the Commonwealth. Additionally, no state or federal government disaster assistance agency will call to ask for your financial account information; unless you place a call to the agency yourself, you should not provide personal information over the phone.

Those who suspect fraud can call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 (toll free). For more information, contact the Commonwealth of Kentucky Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection at 1-888-432-9257.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 (TTY).

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov.

On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

 

 

Credit:

Kentucky Storm and Flood Survivors Urged to Beware of Frauds and Scams

Making Repairs and Rebuilding Wisely Following Texas Storm Damage

As important as it is to make home repairs as soon as possible following a natural disaster, it also is important to take some time to plan the project, consult with local officials and choose a contractor wisely.

Before You Start:

  • Contact the local permitting office. Follow all local and state requirements.

  • Check with your local building official to make sure your work is safe and meets all local and state requirements.

How to Help Reduce Future Damage:

  • Consider using building materials that are more resistant to flood, wind, corrosion and decay.

  • If siding or roof sheathing needs replacement, consider installing hurricane/seismic connectors at the rafter-to-wall or truss-to-wall connections. Adding wall-to-foundation ties may also be possible.

  • Windows, doors and skylights should be checked for leaks. If they need replacement, consider impact-resistant units.

  • Check your attic for adequate insulation. Straps should be added from rafters to wall top plates, and gable end-wall framing should be braced.

  • Inspect soffits to determine if structural upgrades are necessary.

  • If you live in a flood-prone area, elevate and appliances.

How to Select Your Contractor Carefully:

  • The Texas Attorney General advises watching out for home improvement scammers saying they have left over materials or say they noticed your home was damaged and can repair it. Take your time to choose your contractor.

  • Look for a contractor with an established physical address.

  • Get bids from more than one person. Make sure they are in writing and specify exactly what will be done.

  • Beware of a low-ball price.

  • Ask for references and contact them.

  • Make sure the contractor has the proper licenses and insurance coverage required in Texas.

  • Never pay the full price in advance.

For more information and tips on home repair, FEMA provides information online www.FEMA.gov/Texas-disaster-mitigation. You can also visit the nearest Disaster Recovery Center; find one online at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4223, Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

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All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. 

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

See the article here: 

Making Repairs and Rebuilding Wisely Following Texas Storm Damage

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