Disaster Scams

Beware of Fraud & Scams

After a natural disaster, it is important to protect yourself against fraud and identity theft. In some cases, criminals may try to get information by pretending to be disaster workers. Scam artists may try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from people affected by the disaster. Self-designated flood contractors may contact you and pressure you to sign agreements for repairs. Other fraud includes documents that give the contractor the rights to any federal, state or local financial aid you may recieve. Keep in mind, that you may be liable for any costs that remain.

Remember, never sign a contract for disaster clean-up services without checking with local authorities or a trusted family members. Never pay for services in advance. Always require a written agreement that states what services are to be provided and terms/conditions for payment.

Protect your identity and stay informed by doing these easy things:

Federal and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money. Don’t trust anyone who offers financial help and then asks for money.
Do not disclose information to any unsolicited telephone calls and e-mails from individuals claiming to be FEMA or federal employees. FEMA will only contact you if you have called FEMA first or registered for assistance. If you receive suspicious emails or phone calls, you can call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to verify if a FEMA call or email is legitimate.
Always ask to see I.D. FEMA personnel will always have an official identification badge. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity.

Do not offer any personal information, including your Social Security number and bank information, unless you speak with a verified FEMA representative.
Be alert if someone asks for your 9-digit registration ID, which you receive when applying for disaster assistance through FEMA.
Stay tuned to trusted local media for official updates on disaster fraud and scams.
After you apply for FEMA assistance, a home inspection may be necessary. FEMA inspectors will make an appointment before coming to your house. They may verify your identity using the last four digits of the 9-digit registration number but will not ask for all nine numbers. FEMA inspectors will also not ask you for your Social Security number.
FEMA does not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. A FEMA inspector’s job is to verify damage.

To report scams, fraud, and identity-theft contact:

Toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721
In Kentucky, you can report suspected fraud to the Attorney General's Office of Consumer Protection
When in doubt, report any suspicious behavior to your local authorities.

During and after disasters, scammers target vulnerable individuals with various schemes, including fake disaster relief organizations, fraudulent contractors, and phishing scams, often preying on the need for immediate assistance and recovery. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Here's a breakdown of common post-disaster scams and how to avoid them:

Common Scams: [2, 2, 5, 5, 6, 6]

Fake Disaster Relief Organizations: Scammers may impersonate legitimate charities or government agencies, soliciting donations or asking for personal information under the guise of disaster relief. [2, 2, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 8]
Fraudulent Contractors: Scammers may offer quick and cheap solutions for repairs or clean-up, demanding upfront payments or signing over insurance checks. [1, 1, 5, 5, 9, 9]
Phishing Scams: Scammers may send emails or text messages containing malicious links or requesting personal information, pretending to offer assistance or financial aid. [3, 3, 10, 10, 11, 11]
Loan Scams: Scammers may offer quick loans with high fees and interest rates, preying on those who need immediate funds for recovery efforts. [3, 3]
Robocalls: You may receive recorded calls promising government grants, flood insurance, or help with applications for assistance. Don't respond or provide personal information or payment to these callers. [12, 12]
Identity Theft: Scammers may target disaster victims by stealing their personal information to open fraudulent accounts or commit other crimes. [9, 9, 11, 11]

How to Avoid Scams: [2, 2, 5, 5]

Verify the legitimacy of organizations: Don't trust anyone who claims to represent a government agency or charity without independently verifying their identity. [2, 2, 5, 5]
Be cautious of unsolicited offers: Don't give out personal information or make payments to anyone who contacts you out of the blue, especially if they are asking for money or financial account information. [1, 1, 2, 2, 12, 12]
Don't sign over insurance checks: Scammers may ask you to sign over your insurance check, so be sure to keep your insurance payments and only work with licensed and reputable contractors. [1, 1, 5, 5]
Don't pay for services upfront: Reputable contractors will not ask for large sums of money upfront. [1, 1, 13, 14, 15]
Report suspicious activity: If you encounter a scam or suspect fraudulent activity, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. [1, 1, 16, 16, 17, 17]
Go to FEMA's disaster assistance site: For information on what help is really available, visit FEMA's disaster assistance site. [12, 12]
Contact your insurance company directly: If you get a phone call about an insurance claim or policy, hang up and contact your agent or the company directly using the number on your account statement. [18, 18]