FACT SHEET: RUMOR CONTROL
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20201016/hoja-informativa-control-de-rumores]


During times of crisis, there are often broken lines of communication
and false information being shared. Although the circulation of
incorrect information is not always intended, some may use the
opportunity to take advantage of others’ vulnerability. Below are
some trending topics with answers as to what is true and what is not:

CAN I GET MONEY AT A DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER (DRC)?

Disaster Recovery Centers DO NOT MANAGE, DELIVER, OR PROVIDE
FUNDS/GRANTS. A DRC is a place where the Government of Puerto Rico,
FEMA and other agencies are available to answer questions and provide
resources and information. Disaster survivors can also register and
obtain information and assistance about available disaster recovery
resources.

CAN I REGISTER FOR FEMA AID MORE THAN ONCE? / DOES REGISTERING
MULTIPLE TIMES MAKE THE PROCESS FASTER?

No. You only need to register once for federal disaster assistance.
Registering for disaster assistance more than once will slow down any
aid you may receive.

IS USACE CHARGING FOR ROOF INSTALLATIONS? 

No. Operation Blue Roof is a federally funded service to homeowners,
performed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). There is NO
COST to the homeowner. If you are being asked to pay for this service,
it is a SCAM. All USACE representatives will produce official
identification. Follow these steps if you suspect any fraudulent
activity:

	* Do not respond to texts, phone calls or personal requests seeking
your personal information. The only time you should provide personal
information is during the initial application process for and federal
help or when you initiate contact with federal officials to follow up
on an application.
	* Ask for identification and don’t be afraid to hang up on cold
callers.
	* Contact government agencies using information posted on their
websites or on other official sources.
	* Don’t sign contracts with blank spaces or anything you don’t
understand.
	* If you suspect fraud, contact the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at
866-720-5721 or report it to the Federal Trade Commission
[https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1].

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_FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to
ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and
improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to,
recover from, and mitigate all hazards._

_Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race,
color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English
proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been
discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (voice,
711/VRS - Video Relay Service; TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual
operators are available (press 2 for Spanish)._

_The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the
long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged property. SBA helps
businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners
and renters, which can cover the cost of replacing lost or
disaster-damaged real estate and personal property. These disaster
loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other
recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or
organizations. _

_Follow us at:_

_www.fema.gov/hurricane-maria_ [http://www.fema.gov/hurricane-maria]

_www.facebook.com/femapuertorico_
[http://www.facebook.com/femapuertorico]

_www.twitter.com/femaregion2_
[http://www.twitter.com/femaregion2]          

_The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does
not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications._