BEWARE OF SCAM AND FRAUD THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20211217/beware-scam-and-fraud-holiday-season]


Release Date: 
December 17, 2021 

BATON ROUGE, LA. – Don’t let a fraud or scam steal the joy of the
holiday season from you. Be aware that con artists and criminals may
try to steal money or personal information from you through fraud,
scams or identity theft. Some may even pose as federal disaster
workers.

If a person approaches you as a FEMA employee, always ask to see their
badge. All FEMA representatives carry an identification badge with a
photograph. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity.

FEMA representatives do not ask for money from disaster survivors, or
for payment for any services. They do not ask for information during
unsolicited telephone calls or through email. FEMA will not contact
you unless you have called FEMA first or applied for assistance.

FEMA representatives will ask for social security and bank account
numbers when you apply for assistance and may ask for it again after
you apply. Be cautious when giving this information to others who ask
for it. Scam artists may pose as government officials, aid workers, or
insurance company employees.

OTHER TYPES OF FRAUD WHICH YOU MAY EXPERIENCE AFTER A DISASTER:

 	* Phony property inspections or inspectors: FEMA inspectors will
never ask for your registration number. No government disaster
assistance official will call you to ask for your financial account
information. If you doubt a FEMA representative is legitimate, hang up
and call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to report the incident.
 	* Phony building contractors: FEMA does not hire or endorse specific
contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. A FEMA housing
inspector’s job is to verify damage. Always hire a reputable
engineer, architect or building official to inspect your home. An
unethical contractor may create damage to get work.

To report scams, fraud and identity-theft contact: FEMA’s toll-free
Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721; the Office of the Attorney
General Consumer Protection Section, P.O. Box 94005, Baton Rouge, LA
70804-9005, fax: 225-326-6499; Louisiana State Licensing Board for
Contractors at https://arlspublic.lslbc.louisiana.gov/Home/Index; or
local law enforcement agencies.