Disaster survivors should be aware that scammers and criminals may try to get money or steal personal information through post-disaster fraud or identity theft. In some cases, thieves attempt to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses, and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.
If a FEMA inspector comes to your home and you haven’t submitted a FEMA application, your information could have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If so, let the inspector know that you have not applied for FEMA assistance so that they can file a request to stop further processing of the application.
If you did not apply for assistance but received a letter from FEMA, call the FEMA hotline at 800-621-3362. Helpline will send a request to stop further processing of this application.
If you want to apply for FEMA assistance after an application on your behalf has been terminated without your knowledge, the Help Desk will help you create a new application.
Fraud
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams, housing inspectors and other officials will be working in areas affected by Hurricane Ian in Florida. They wear official photo identification badges. Representatives from FEMA and the US Small Business Administration never charge applicants for disaster assistance, background checks, or application assistance.
Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in exchange for payment.
Be wary of unexpected phone calls or visits to your home from people representing FEMA housing inspectors or people claiming to work for FEMA. FEMA representatives will have your FEMA application number.
Do not give your banking information to someone claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff’s department or contact the Attorney General’s Office at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226) or visit myfloridalegal.com. To file a fraud complaint, go online Fraud Report (myfloridalegal.com).
If you suspect fraud involving FEMA, you can report it to the FEMA Fraud Office at: [email protected]fax: (202) 212-4926 or write to: FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.
If you suspect identity theft, visit Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information or IdentityTheft.gov.
