FEMA issues warning of scams, impersonations after Ga. storms
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - As Georgians continue recovering after this past weekend’s deadly storms, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is warning of scams that attempt to steal money or personal information through fraud or identity theft.
“Local law enforcement agencies are receiving reports of scammers claiming to be FEMA representatives,” said a FEMA spokesperson. “Unfortunately, during disasters con artists and scammers will at times misrepresent themselves as FEMA employees.
3 tornadoes confirmed in CSRA during Sunday’s severe weather
Experts determined Burke County saw two EF-0 tornadoes and Barnwell County saw one EF-0 tornado.
“We want the public to be vigilant should imposters ask for money while approaching survivors,” the spokesperson said. “FEMA never asks survivors for money.”
FEMA is advising anyone with knowledge of fraud, waste, or abuse to report these tips to the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also email [email protected] to report a tip.
FROM NEWS 12
WRDW First Alert weather app: Stay informed
- Our weather app can help you track storms, tropical storms and hurricanes. It’s available free at the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Tips to avoid FEMA impersonators and fraud
- Be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls or visits to your home from people claiming to be FEMA housing inspectors or saying they work for FEMA. FEMA representatives will have a laminated badge and your nine-digit FEMA registration number.
- U.S. Small Business istration representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.
- If you are ed by a FEMA inspector and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If so, inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance and call FEMA’s Helpline
- FEMA housing inspectors never charge a fee to inspect your property.
- Do not give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.
- Government disaster assistance officials will not call you to ask for your financial information. If you doubt a FEMA representative is legitimate, hang up and call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to report the incident.
- FEMA does not hire or endorse specific contractors to renovate homes or recommend repairs. A FEMA housing inspector’s only job is to damage.
Tips and tricks to soothe seasonal allergies
Tree pollen counts are expected to be high this week, and grass pollen is rising as the spring solstice is right around the corner. Meteoritical spring started on March 1.
Storm damage advice from the Better Business Bureau
- Assess the damage and take pictures.
- your insurance company immediately. Inquire about policy coverage and specific filing requirements. This gets the ball rolling on the claim process.
- Document the damage to your property (and autos). Take pictures and if possible, video evidence.
- Do not make any permanent repairs until you get approval from your insurance company. Your insurer might not fully reimburse you for permanent repairs without authorization.
- Get a written contract agreement with anyone you hire. It should specify the work, the materials used, and the price breakdown for both labor and materials.
Find more advice from the BBB here.
Report any concerns with contractors or businesses to the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
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