FEMA Warns Against Fraud
Release Date: October 12, 2004
Release Number: 1552-022
» More Information on Puerto Rico Tropical Storm Jeanne and Resulting Landslides and Mudslides
San Juan, P.R. -- Every disaster has its share of con artists trying to take advantage of disaster victims. Disaster recovery officials urge residents to be careful of who they allow into their homes. Those whose house was damaged in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Jeanne and someone appears at their door claiming to be a disaster recovery official, should ask for identification.
Depending on the needs, inspectors from one or more agencies may visit the homes after people register for disaster assistance. These inspectors will be able to show the official ID to prove their identity. Applicants should never let anyone inspect their home without first seeing identification. To verify the identity of people designating themselves as an inspector, call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toll-free number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585 for hearing and speech impaired), from 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.
Some people may show up at your door and insist that you make expensive or unnecessary repairs. Others may offer to process your disaster application or provide any disaster- related services for a fee. Likewise, residents should look out for people trying to sell tarps from FEMA or make the installation for a fee. Remember, disaster inspectors or disaster recovery personnel never charge a fee for their services. FEMA does not charge for the tarps or for its installation.
Likewise, FEMA uses a number of methods to detect fraud among the applicants. An automated system crosschecks information with other agencies and insurance companies to weed out duplicate applications. Field inspections are conducted to verify losses and damages for every person who applies. Potential cases of fraud or misuse are referred to the U.S. Justice Department for prosecution. The cases may include:
- People who claim residences that are not their primary residence.
- Applicants who leave out their spouse’s information when registering.
- Self-inflicted damages.
- Spouses claiming different addresses.
- People that fail to disclose insurance coverage.
If you know of someone who is taking advantage of others’ misfortune by filing false damage claims, you may report this or other instances of fraud to the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 1-800-323-8603, available 24 hours a day. All calls are confidential.
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: Tuesday, 12-Oct-2004 12:20:25