After all major storms/floods such as Harvey, there is a lot of misinformation circulated about issues related to rumors and scams including; the plague, fuel shortages, flood insurance premiums, inspections, and disaster cleanup & inspections. FEMA keeps a very detailed list of these rumors to help residents stay correctly informed...www.fema.gov/hurrica ne-harvey-rumor-cont rolHere’s how to protect yourself, or someone you care about, from disaster fraud:- Federal and state workers do not ask for, or accept, money. FEMA staff will never charge applicants for disaster assistance, home inspections, or help filling out applications. Stay alert for false promises to speed up the insurance, disaster assistance, or building permit process.
- In person, always ask to see any FEMA employee ID badges. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams may be in impacted communities providing information and assisting survivors with the registration process or their applicant files.
- A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity. All FEMA representatives, including our contracted inspectors, will have a laminated photo ID. All National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) adjusters will have a NFIP Authorized Adjuster Card with their name and the types of claims they may adjust.
- If you are unsure or uncomfortable with anyone you encounter claiming to be an emergency management official, do not give out personal information, and contact local law enforcement.
- If you suspect fraud, contact the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or report it to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov. More information on disaster-related fraud is available at the Texas Attorney General’s Office website at www.texasattorneygen eral.gov/cpd/disaste r-scams or call -800-252-8011.