Beware of Fraud in the Aftermath of Disaster
Release Date: June 30, 2008
Release Number: 1771-004
» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms and Flooding
Springfield, Ill. -- In response to news reports of con artists in other Midwest states posing as officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency or other disaster assistance officials, FEMA is warning Illinois residents affected by flooding to be wary of fraud.
People should be sure they are dealing with FEMA officials before providing any personal information. There is never a fee or charge for any FEMA service.
If you suspect contractor fraud, contact your local Better Business Bureau or your states Attorney General's Office at these numbers: Chicago - (800) 386-5438; Springfield - (800) 243-0618; Carbondale - (800) 243-0607.
Those who suspect anyone - a contractor, inspector, disaster victim or someone posing as any of these - of committing fraudulent activities should contact the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 if they have questions or concerns about the truthfulness of claims made by third parties through word of mouth or in print.
To safeguard against disaster-related fraud, officials recommend the following precautions:
- Ask for ID. If someone represents themselves as a federal employee, such as an inspector, but does not produce identification, residents are urged to ask to see it. A FEMA or U.S. Small Business Administration shirt or jacket is not absolute proof of someone's affiliation with the government. Federal employees carry official photo identification and applicants may receive a visit from more than one inspector or verifier.
- Safeguard personal information. Do not give personal information such as social security and bank account numbers to individuals claiming to be affiliated with the federal government. FEMA inspectors never require this information.
- FEMA representatives are not allowed to accept money. If someone claiming to be a federal employee or federal contractor attempts to collect money for their help, report that person and their vehicle number to your local police department.
- FEMA inspectors verify damage, but do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs.
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: Tuesday, 01-Jul-2008 08:31:15