Disaster Victims Warned To Guard Against Fraud
Release Date: September 8, 2004
Release Number: 1544-004
RICHMOND, Va. -- Victims of Tropical Depression Gaston are in danger of being victimized again, this time by scam artists, disaster officials warned. One person reported getting a call saying he would get a disaster grant, but “First I need your Social Security number.”
"Individuals must begin the aid process themselves by registering with FEMA. That is the only way to apply for federal or state assistance,” said Michael Cline, Virginia Department of Emergency Management State Coordinating Officer for the disaster. “People should not give their Social Security numbers to callers they don’t know. And notification of a grant will always come by mail.”
“We don’t want people who need help to be exploited by scam artists,” Cline added.
The FEMA telephone number is 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. The number for the hearing or speech impaired is (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.
Residents who suffered damage are warned to be alert for other types of fraud as well. “Every disaster has its share of con artists trying to take advantage of disaster victims, so be careful who you give information to or let into your home,” Cline advised.
For example, people who register at the FEMA telephone number may be visited by inspectors asking to inspect damage to their homes or businesses. All valid inspectors will have official ID to identify themselves. Never let anyone inspect your home without first asking for identification.
Suspected fraud should be reported to the Consumer Protection Hotline of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 804-786-2042 or 1-800-552-9963, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
President Bush declared a major disaster for the cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg and Richmond, and the counties of Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Hanover, Henrico and Prince George on September 3. The declaration triggered the provision of federal aid to disaster-stricken homeowners, renters and business owners.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 08-Sep-2004 08:48:55