Beware Of Persons Falsely Claiming To Be Disaster Assistance Inspectors
Release Date: July 11, 2003
Release Number: 1474-37
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
Charleston, WV -- Residents of the West Virginia counties whose homes were affected by the recent storms and flooding may be waiting to have the damages assessed by an inspector. Unfortunately, every disaster has con artists who take advantage of disaster victims.
Reports have come to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of someone who is falsely claiming to be a disaster assistance inspector and asking homeowners personal questions, such as financial information, birth date, and whether FEMA will make payment for damages by check or direct deposit. Questions of this nature will never be asked by a legitimate disaster inspector.
After the homeowner has registered for disaster assistance, depending on their need, inspectors from one or more agencies may be assigned to assess the damage. Here are some of the things homeowners should be aware of when an inspector arrives:
- Always insist on being shown an official ID. The face of the FEMA ID says "United States of America." Below it is the person's photo and under it is the person's name. At the bottom, is the FEMA seal and the ID's expiration date. On the reverse, a warning states that the ID is the property of the U.S. Government; and that, if found, it should be dropped in any mailbox for return to FEMA. The FEMA address is given and a barcode also appears.
- An inspector will never ask for personal information. All information is taken when the homeowner registers by phone or in person before the inspection.
- All inspections are made by appointment at the convenience of the homeowner, and inspectors never go door to door.
- An official inspector will never ask for money.
- FEMA inspectors never use vehicles bearing a FEMA logo.
A state fire marshal may accompany an inspector or may have already inspected the home. He or she will also carry an official ID, which should be checked carefully. The fire marshals wear a shirt with an insignia that says "Department of Public Safety, State Fire Marshal." They arrive in a state car that displays the same insignia.
If you are a victim of fraud or suspect someone is posing as a disaster official, notify your local law enforcement agency and call the FEMA Office of the Inspector General's waste, fraud and abuse hotline at 1-800-323-8603.
Last Modified: Friday, 11-Jul-2003 14:29:58