BE ALERT TO FRAUD AFTER HURRICANE DEBBY
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20240812/be-alert-fraud-after-hurricane-debby]


Release Date: 
Août 12, 2024 

TALLAHASSEE, FLA.- Floridians should be aware that con artists and
criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information
through fraud or identity theft after Hurricane Debby. In some cases,
thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and
Social Security numbers they have stolen from people affected by the
disaster.

If a FEMA inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA
application, your information may have been used without your
knowledge to create a FEMA application. If this happens, please inform
the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance so they can
submit a request to stop further processing of the application. 

If you did not apply for assistance but receive a letter from FEMA,
please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline will
submit a request to stop further processing of that application.

If you do want to apply for FEMA assistance after stopping an
application made in your name without your knowledge, the helpline
will assist you in creating a new application.

SCAMS

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews, housing inspectors and
other officials will be working in areas impacted by Hurricane Debby.
They carry official photo identification badges. FEMA representatives
never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help
in filling out applications. Their services are free.

Don't believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for
payment. 

Don't give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA
housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect
your personal financial information. 

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to
your local police or sheriff's department or contact Florida’s
Office of the Attorney General by calling 866-9-NO-SCAM (866-966-7226)
or visit myfloridalegal.com [https://www.myfloridalegal.com/]. To file
a fraud complaint, go online to Scam Report (myfloridalegal.com
[https://www.myfloridalegal.com/]). 

If you have knowledge of fraud, waste or abuse, you can report these
tips – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – to the FEMA Disaster
Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. You can also email
StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov to report a tip.

For the latest information about Florida’s Hurricane Debby recovery,
visit fema.gov/disaster/4806 [https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4806].
Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 [https://x.com/femaregion4] or
on Facebook at facebook.com/fema [http://www.facebook.com/fema].