FEMA Applications: No Fee, They're Free!
Release Date: July 29, 2004
Release Number: 1523-054
» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and Mudslides
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Even after the registration period closes for Kentucky disaster victims on August 9, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will continue to process applications received before the deadline. Just remember, it doesn't cost anything to have your application processed and if someone calls offering to expedite your application for a fee, they're just trying to rip you off!
Disaster aid applicants in West Virginia are receiving calls from scam artists posing as representatives of the state and asking for access to a bank account from which they can transfer funds to pay for processing a grant to cover the applicant's losses. Since criminals don't respect borders, it is reasonable to believe that the same scenario could also occur in Kentucky.
If you suspect a scam, gather as much information as you safely can and notify FEMA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) at 1-800-323-8603 or the Kentucky Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-432-9257.
Individuals with questions about the assistance process or the status of their application can call the Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.
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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 29-Jul-2004 17:09:35