FEMA Warns Scam Artists
Release Date: January 30, 2001
Release Number: 1355-12
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Oklahoma City, OK -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Management (ODCEM) use various systems to identify people who try to take advantage of the assistance provided to disaster victims.
"Managing a multi--million dollar disaster assistance program involves rapidly providing assistance to people in need and, at the same time, making sure that the taxpayer's money is correctly spent," said Federal Coordinating Officer C. Michel Butler, FEMA.
There are methods to detect fraud. One is an electronic system where information from FEMA, and other disaster assistance agencies and insurance companies is cross checked and verified to detect duplicate or fraudulent applications. The homes of the persons who apply for disaster assistance are inspected to verify the losses claimed in their applications. All cases identified as possible fraud are referred to the U.S. Department of Justice for investigation and possible criminal charges. FEMA's Office of the Inspector General also investigates claims of fraud.
People who make mistakes when registering for disaster assistance have the opportunity to cancel or amend their applications. They can do so by calling 1--800--525--0321.
If you know a person who is committing fraud with the disaster assistance program, you can call the FEMA Fraud Hotline 800 323--8603.
Last Modified: Monday, 20-Oct-2003 13:17:57