Disaster Assistance Claims To Be Checked For Fraud
Release Date: June 23, 2004
Release Number: 1519-016
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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) have a system in place to identify the very small percentage of applicants who try to cash in on others’ misfortune during the disaster recovery.
“Managing a multi-million-dollar disaster program always means walking a fine line between good customer service to those who need it and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not misused,” said Dale W. Shipley, state coordinating officer for the disaster recovery and executive director of Ohio EMA.
A number of methods are used to detect fraud, said Brad Gair, federal coordinating officer with FEMA. An automated system crosschecks information with other agencies and applicants are asked about insurance coverage, because government disaster aid cannot duplicate services or funds provided by insurance or other assistance programs. 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. Department of Justice.
People who made a mistake when reporting damage or misrepresented their losses have the opportunity to cancel or amend their claims. Individuals may call the toll-free application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 – to withdraw or correct an application and prevent prosecution.
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 Fraud Hotline at 1-800-323-8603.
The Ohio EMA coordinates State assistance and resources during an emergency and prepares the state for all hazards through planning, training, exercises and funding activities at the state and local level. This includes providing assistance to individuals and administering state and federal assistance to individuals and governmental entities recovering from disaster-related damage and costs. Ohio EMA coordinates homeland security funding, weapons of mass destruction training, anti-terrorism planning and training, and assists local and state agencies determine homeland strategies and priorities.
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: Wednesday, 23-Jun-2004 09:07:43