After a disaster, scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals often attempt to take advantage of disaster survivors. We encourage survivors to watch for and report any suspicious activity.
Beware of Fraud and Scams
FEMA Housing Inspectors
An inspector will:
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- Never ask for your nine-digit registration number. They already have it in their records.
- Always wear an official government badge to identify themselves. Ask the person to show you their identification.
- Not ask for bank information. FEMA never charges a fee for an inspection.
- Not climb on roofs or enter crawl spaces.
Fake Offers of Local or Federal Aid
- Don’t trust someone who asks for money. DHS, FEMA, SBA, and other federal agencies will never charge applicants for disaster assistance or help in filling out applications.
- Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant and asks for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.
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Fraudulent Building Contractors
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- 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.
Report Fraud or Scams
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Contact FEMA Investigations and Inspections Division
Email: StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov
Phone: 866-223-0814
Fax: 202-212-4926
Mail:
400 C Street SW
Suite 7SW-1009
Mail Stop 3005
Washington D.C., 20472-3005
- Contact your state consumer protection offices.
- Report corruption, fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement or misconduct to DHS Office of the Inspector General.
- File a complaint with the National Center for Disaster Fraud.
- Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report and recover from identify theft.