FEMA On Lookout For Fraud 

Release Date: August 18, 2007
Release Number: 1712-039

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OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- State and federal officials are doing everything possible to discover disaster claim fraud and stop it. With so much disaster assistance being distributed to Oklahomans affected by recent severe weather, floods and tornadoes, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are working to ensure that disaster relief funds go only to legally entitled recipients.

"In every disaster, there are always a few unscrupulous individuals who want to profit from the recovery effort," said State Coordinating Officer Fred W. Liebe. "We are determined to see that those people do not receive disaster loans and grants fraudulently."

People who file false damage claims, try to collect for damages not storm related, or misrepresent themselves in any way can be guilty of fraud and subject to prosecution.

Convictions can lead to a maximum of five years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000 for each count.

Federal Coordinating Officer Philip E. Parr said, "Any applicant who has made a mistake in reporting damages or misrepresented losses will be given an opportunity to correct or cancel the claim." Anyone who makes an error when submitting a claim can contact the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585, for the speech- or hearing-impaired.

Federal investigators, including the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and the U.S. Department of Justice, along with other federal agencies, investigate cases of fraud, waste and abuse of federal disaster funds.

There are several ways for government officials to detect fraud. One is through an electronic process that cross-checks information from FEMA, its partner agencies and insurance companies to detect duplicate or fraudulent applications. Additionally, homes of applicants are inspected to verify damages and losses claimed. All suspected cases of fraud are referred to the U.S. Department of Justice for investigation and possible prosecution.

Persons with knowledge of disaster fraud should contact the Oklahoma Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit at 405-521-2029 or online at www.oag.state.ok.us  or call the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General hotline at 1-800-323-8603. Those who call or write do not have to reveal their names and information provided is confidential.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 22-Aug-2007 10:58:16