West Virginians whose homes were damaged in the recent storms and flooding may encounter people attempting to cheat them by posing as inspectors, government officials, volunteers or contractors. These people may try to obtain personal information or collect payment for disaster assistance or repairs.
Please keep in mind that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employees DO NOT solicit or accept money from disaster survivors. Many legitimate disaster assistance employees may visit your property such as insurance agents, damage inspectors and West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (WV DHSEM), FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration staff.
Here are some tips to remember to safeguard against fraud:
- Ask to see ID badges. All FEMA representatives will have a laminated photo ID. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with anyone you encounter, please contact local law enforcement.
- Safeguard personal information. Be cautious when giving personal information such as Social Security or bank account numbers to anyone. FEMA will only request an applicant’s bank account numbers during the initial registration process. However FEMA inspectors will require verification of identity.
- Beware of people going door-to-door. People knocking on doors at damaged homes or phoning homeowners claiming to be building contractors could be con artists, especially if they ask for personal information or solicit money.
- Federal workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and SBA staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help to fill out applications. FEMA inspectors verify damages, but do not involve themselves in any aspect of the repair nor recommend any contractor.
- FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams may be in your community providing information and assisting people in registering with FEMA or updating their files. The teams coordinate their activities with local emergency managers and make local law enforcement agencies aware of their presence. The teams always consist of at least two people, and may include employees of WV DHSEM as well as FEMA. They will always be wearing FEMA or WV DHSEM shirts and laminated photo IDs. Disaster Survivor Assistance teams never ask for or accept payment for their services.
Always use licensed and bonded contractors and ask for credentials. Use West Virginia contractors if you can. You can verify a West Virginia contractor’s license online at wvlabor.com/newwebsite/Pages/contractor_searchNEW.cfm. Never pay for anything in advance of work being done.
Consumer protection hotline for the Attorney General’s office: 1-800-368-8808
Consumer Protection & Anti-Trust Division Toll-Free: 1-800-368-8808 Phone: 304-558-8986
If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, abuse or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.
Disaster survivors in Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Monroe, Nicholas, Roane, and Summers counties may be eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. Survivors in those counties can register for FEMA Individual Assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362), which is video relay service accessible. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have difficulty speaking may call TTY 800-462- 7585. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time until further notice.
For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4273, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA and fema.gov/blog.
