Don't Let Someone Take Your Money
Release Date: October 24, 2005
Release Number: 1604-091
» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Katrina
JACKSON, Miss. -- It’s a story as old as mankind. When people are stricken by disaster, other people will try to take advantage and cheat the victims out of what they have left.
State and federal officials urge everyone affected by Hurricane Katrina to beware of cheats, con men and scam artists who attempt to prey on the hurricane’s victims. They may be phony contractors or they may pose as state or federal officials.
“Be extra cautious in dealing with anyone who comes to your door asking for work, money or even information,” said Nick Russo, deputy federal coordinating officer for the Katrina recovery in Mississippi. “Ask for identification and know who you’re dealing with.”
In the wake of disaster, phony contractors may show up and offer to repair your home. They take a large deposit and then disappear. Katrina victims should do business with established reputable companies – local companies if possible. They should also insist on seeing operating licenses and proof of insurance, and should never pay in advance for the entire job. Other tips:
- Never sign a blank contract. Get an agreement in writing. Make sure the contract covers all the needed work, sets a payment schedule, and responsibility for obtaining needed permits. Never pay cash in advance.
- To check out a contractor, call the State Board of Contractors at 1-800-880-6161.
“The state of Mississippi will not tolerate anyone trying to cheat or defraud our citizens,” said Robert Latham, executive director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. “We will seek out and stop this kind of criminal activity.”
Other con artists may pose as inspectors from the state or the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Remember that FEMA never charges for inspections, for roof-protecting tarpaulins, or any other services. Ask for identification from anyone claiming to be an official. A shirt or jacket labeled “FEMA” is not proof of identity. All FEMA employees carry a laminated photo ID, and will show it on request.
Anyone who believes a fraudulent inspector approached them can report it on the Department of Homeland Security fraud hotline, 1-800-323-8603, FAX a report to 1-202-254-4295, or e-mail the inspector general at dhsoighotline@dhs.gov.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages the federal response and recovery efforts following an incident of national significance. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities to reduce the risk of loss in future disasters, trains first responders, workers with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 18-May-2007 08:27:25