Scam Artists May be Lurking
Watch out for fraud
Release Date: October 16, 2008
Release Number: 1798-021
» More Information on Puerto Rico Severe Storms and Flooding
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- When floodwaters subside, one of the first things to float to the surface is the scam artist. Disaster officials warn residents of Puerto Rico to be wary of individuals who may try to take advantage of them as they are trying to restore their lives.
After a disaster scam artists will try to get money from victims in many different ways.
They may come to a resident's door, pretending to be officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, charging money to process a registration for assistance or inspect a home. Other scams include individuals who call on the phone and ask for information so they can use this information to steal an identity, or unscrupulous contractors who take money for work that is never completed.
Don't be fooled by frauds like these. Disaster officials will never ask for a fee of any kind, and banking information is only collected when an applicant first registers for assistance and requests direct deposit for aid funds.
In addition, FEMA representatives carry a photo ID. Ask to see it. If still unsure, call FEMA to verify at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) - option 2 for Spanish - or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Another clue is to look for official clothing, such as a FEMA shirt or jacket.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Thursday, 16-Oct-2008 09:05:48