Jeanne Victims Warned To Guard Against Fraud 

Release Date: October 22, 2004
Release Number: 1570-007

» More Information on Virginia Severe Storms and Flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Jeanne

SALEM -- Victims of Tropical Depression Jeanne are in danger of being victimized again, this time by scam artists, disaster officials say.

No one will ask for a flood victim’s personal information, including Social Security numbers, until the victim registers with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said Michael M. Cline, the state coordinating officer for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM).

"Individuals must begin the aid process themselves by registering with FEMA,” said Cline. “That is the only way to apply for federal or state assistance.”

“People should not give their Social Security numbers to unsolicited callers. And notification of a grant will always come by mail,” Cline said. “We don’t want people who need help to be exploited by scam artists.”

Individuals can begin the disaster application process by calling the toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. Individuals with Internet access now have the option to register on the agency’s website at http://www.fema.gov.

“Every disaster has con artists who try to take advantage of disaster victims,” said Marianne C. Jackson, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer. “Be careful about who you give information to or let in your homes.”

For example, damage inspectors may visit flood victims at their home or business after they register with FEMA, she said. All FEMA inspectors will have official ID, Jackson said, and no flood victim should let anyone inspect their property without first asking for identification.

There is never a fee for FEMA services, she said. “We’ve had reports of people claiming to be from FEMA offering to speed up the process in exchange for money,” Jackson said. “That’s just not possible.”

Suspected fraud should be reported to the Consumer Protection Hotline of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-804-786-2042 or 1-800-552-9963. Those lines are open from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

President Bush signed a major disaster declaration for the cities of Roanoke and Salem, and the counties of Alleghany, Craig, Giles, Montgomery, Floyd, Patrick and Roanoke on October 18. The declaration begins the process of releasing federal aid to homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered losses in the flood.

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: Friday, 22-Oct-2004 17:13:09