Release date: April 28, 2020

Release Number: DR-4536-MS NR-003

Canton, Miss. – When a disaster strikes, unscrupulous people may try to take advantage of survivors by posing as official disaster aid workers or even as relatives trying to help survivors complete their applications.

Mississippi disaster survivors should be aware of and prepared for possible fraud and scams, and the need to report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists or identity thieves to local law enforcement officials.

Criminal fraud and scam artists use common tactics such as phone calls from people claiming to work for FEMA. Giving your personal financial information to such a caller can help a criminal make a false claim for assistance or commit identity theft. So be sure to read the following information to help you in avoiding these criminals.

When you registered for disaster assistance with FEMA and reported that you cannot or may not be able to safely live in your home, it may be necessary for FEMA to perform an inspection of the damaged dwelling.

Due to the COVID-19 virus and the need to protect the safety and health of all Americans, all FEMA field operations are suspended, therefore home inspections are conducted remotely by phone.

FEMA Housing Inspectors will telephone an applicant to learn about the type damage sustained. These remote inspections provide a new way of evaluating damage, comparable to in-person inspections, and also may expedite the delivery of assistance to eligible survivors.

However, this is a procedure that may attract attention from scam artists. So be especially careful if you are called and remember these two important points:

FEMA Housing Inspectors will never ask for your nine-digit registration number. They already have it in their records.

FEMA Housing Inspectors also will never require you to provide your banking or other personal information such as a Social Security number.

Call FEMA at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) if you are suspicious of someone who says they’re a housing inspector sent by FEMA.

You also may be contacted by scam artists posing as disaster workers who are seeking money for services. Federal and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. Nor will federal disaster employees promise a disaster grant and asks for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.

Report suspected fraud to the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor Office:

Toll-free: 800-880-5920.

Phone: 601-576-4162.

Fax: 601-576-4161.

Mailing address: ATTN: Office of Program Integrity. 550 High Street, Suite 1000. Jackson, MS 39201.

Report fraud and abuse by submitting a fraud and abuse complaint. Forms may be found on their website: www.osa.ms.gov/fraud

During disaster recoveries as people rebuild their lives, they sometimes have to deal with fraudulent building contractors. FEMA urges survivors to take the following steps:

Use licensed or verified local contractors backed by reliable references.

Don’t pay more than half the costs of repairs in advance.

Demand that contractors detail the job to be done with guarantees in writing.

If you suspect fraud, call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

Another area where scams and fraud abound are charitable giving and rental listings:

A list of reputable charities that are approved by the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance is available at Give.Org. The Alliance advises “do not respond to unsolicited emails, watch out for pushy telemarketers and look out for fake charities that sound real by using similar names.” For more information about avoiding charitable giving scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website at www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alerts.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has information on how rental listing scams work. For instance, scammers know that finding the right apartment or vacation rental can be hard work, and a seemingly good deal is hard to pass up. Learn more at www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0079-rental-listing-scams.

Unfortunately, criminals also can exploit survivors by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions. If you suspect fraud or scams, you can report these tips 24 hours a day, seven days a week to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720-5721. Or, email disaster@leo.gov.

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Source: FEMA.gov