FEMA warns flood victims about scams
SAN DIEGO — FEMA is urging San Diego-area residents impacted by the January floods to be on alert for scammers.
FEMA says, typically following a disaster, there are fraud and con artists who take advantage of victims by taking money or personal information to steal their identity.
‘We just want to remind them to be careful,” said Gerard Hammink, a FEMA media relations specialist.
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In February, FEMA inspectors started going through flood-ravaged neighborhoods and visiting residents who applied for financial help.
FEMA says scammers will try to apply for government assistance by using names, addresses, social security numbers and other personal info they have stolen from victims. In some cases, imposters pretend they are with FEMA or other government agencies.
“Ask for ID. I’m wearing my ID. All FEMA people have ID. We do have inspectors in the field to verify the damage. They call first but then when they’re there, ask for their ID. You want to make sure that the person that you’re talking to is who they say they are,” said Hammink.
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Encanto resident Makida Anderson is busy turning in the last bit of paperwork to get FEMA assistance. She says she’s grateful she hasn’t had to deal with any scammers.
“Nothing personally has touched me, but I’ve heard about it and I don’t think that’s right because there’s a lot of people out here who really, really need help and then that help goes to somebody who doesn’t need it and the person who really needs it has to wait in line and it’s not fair,” said Anderson.
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FEMA also advises that if a FEMA inspector shows up at a flood victim’s home and that person did not apply for assistance from FEMA, then their personal information may have been taken without their knowledge.
“If you hear from FEMA and you did not apply for FEMA, then just tell us, ‘I didn’t apply,’ because we do have an anti-fraud effort ongoing,” said Hammink.
Flood survivors can report fraud by email to StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov or call 866-223-0814.
They should keep in mind that FEMA inspectors won’t ask for bank information, and be wary of any unexpected phone calls or home visits from anyone claiming they work for FEMA.
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