DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
FRAUD
To safeguard against fraud, officials recommend the following
precautions to those in hurricane-affected areas:
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 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. A
social security or bank account number is requested during the first phone call
to the agency's teleregistration line. On any
follow-up calls a FEMA representative may ask for the last four digits of your
social security number.
Under no circumstances are FEMA or SBA
representatives allowed to accept money. If someone claiming to be a federal employee or federal contractor
attempts to collect money for their help, report the person and their vehicle
number to your local police department.
FEMA inspectors assess damage, but do not hire
or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs.
Use care when hiring contractors.
Do research on contractors. To check on a contractor's licensing status in the state of
Ask for proof of insurance. If a contractor is uninsured, you may be liable for accidents on the
property. Make sure the contractor has both disability and workers'
compensation insurance.
Get it in writing. Ask
for a written estimate and check to make sure it includes all the work you
expect to have done, as well as taxes and other fees. Keep in mind that some
contractors charge for an estimate. Once you decide to use a particular
contractor, ask for a written contract, including all tasks to be performed as
well as associated costs, a timeline and payment schedule and who is
responsible for applying for necessary permits and licenses. Never sign a
blank contract.
Ask for a written guarantee. It should state what is guaranteed, who is responsible and how long
the guarantee is valid.
Do not make advance payment in cash. Pay by check in order to keep a record and avoid double charges.
Legitimate contractors normally do not require more than one-third of the total
charges as a down payment.
If you suspect an inspector or contractor, or
someone who may be posing as one, of committing fraudulent activities, call the
FEMA Fraud Hotline at
If you suspect price gouging, contact
1-800-646-0444.