Beware of Scams and Fraudulent Phone Calls Main Content Release date: OCTOBER 10, 2014 Release Number: DR-4195-MI NR-006 WARREN, Mich. – State and federal recovery officials urge Michigan residents to watch for and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals who may try to prey on vulnerable survivors because of the August storms and flooding. Common post-disaster fraud practices include: Phony housing inspectors: Owners/applicants may be especially vulnerable to phony housing inspectors claiming to represent FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration. An applicant should ALWAYS: Ask to see the inspector’s identification badge. All federal employees and contractors carry official, laminated photo identification. Inspectors also have each applicant’s nine-digit registration number. FEMA inspectors never require banking information. It is important to note that FEMA housing inspectors verify damage, but do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. They do not determine your eligibility for assistance. Fraudulent building contractors: When hiring a contractor: Use licensed local contractors backed by reliable references. Demand that contractors carry general liability insurance and worker’s compensation. Bogus pleas for post-disaster donations: Unscrupulous solicitors may play on the sympathy for disaster survivors. Disaster aid solicitations may arrive by phone, email, letter or face-to-face visits. Verify legitimate solicitation: Ask for the charity’s exact name, street address, phone number, and Web address, then phone the charity directly and confirm that the person asking for funds is an employee or volunteer. Don’t pay with cash. Request a receipt with the charity’s name, street address, phone number and Web address (if applicable). Fake offers of state or federal aid: Beware if anyone claiming to be from FEMA or the state visits, calls or emails asking for an applicant’s Social Security number, bank account number or other sensitive information. Avoid scam artists who promise a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full. Know that federal and state workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and SBA staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. If in doubt, do not give out information, and report people claiming to be government workers to local police. Provide your Social Security number and banking information only when registering for FEMA assistance, either by calling 1-800-621-3362, TTY 1-800-462-7585, or going online at DisasterAssistance.gov or a smart phone at m.fema.gov. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services, call 1-800-621-3362. Those who suspect fraud should call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made to local authorities or through the Michigan Attorney General’s office at 1-877-765-8388 or online at michigan.gov/ag.
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 13:39:58 +0000
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