|
Minnesotans Should Beware Of Scams During RecoveryMOORHEAD, Minn. -- Residents of Minnesota affected by Red River flooding are urged to report potential fraud during recovery and rebuilding efforts. Those who suspect anyone - a contractor, an inspector or someone claiming to have suffered flood-related damages - of committing fraudulent activities should call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721. If in doubt, do not give out information, and report people claiming to be government workers to local authorities. To safeguard against disaster-related fraud, officials recommend the following precautions: Ask for ID. If someone represents him or herself as a federal employee, such as an inspector, but does not produce identification, residents should 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, laminated photo identification. 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 unless you initiate the call. FEMA inspectors never require this information. A Social Security or bank account number is requested during the first phone call to the agency's registration line. On any follow-up calls a FEMA representative may ask for the last four digits of your Social Security number. Beware of people going door-to-door. People going door-to-door to damaged homes, or phoning homeowners claiming to be building contractors could be scam artists. If visitors or callers solicit personal information such as Social Security or bank account numbers, they may not be legitimate. FEMA Community Relations staff may visit homes, businesses or other locations to distribute flyers that mention personal information such as Social Security and bank account numbers. However, they will not solicit this personal information from applicants; they are merely providing guidance about what information applicants should have on hand to provide to FEMA when registering. Federal workers do not solicit or accept money. Remember, FEMA and SBA staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. If in doubt, do not give out information and report people claiming to be government workers to local authorities. Remember, FEMA inspectors verify damage, but do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters. |
|
|
National Voice Gazette
www.nationalvoicesite.com
Remember the Troops
Support the Mission
