VERMONTERS ENCOURAGED TO BEWARE OF FRAUD AND SCAMS
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20240822/vermonters-encouraged-beware-fraud-and-scams]


Release Date: 
August 22, 2024 

When natural disasters occur, it's common for some people to try and
exploit the situation by pretending to be official disaster aid
workers. 

FEMA encourages survivors to be aware of fraud and scams. FEMA also
encourages survivors to report any suspicious activity or potential
fraud from scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals.

Survivors should also be aware that this kind of situation doesn’t
happen only at the beginning of the response to the disaster when
people might be more vulnerable. It can happen any time. It’s
important to know that FEMA does not endorse any specific commercial
businesses, products or services.

FEMA encourages survivors and business owners to be vigilant for these
common post-disaster fraud practices:

FEMA HOUSING INSPECTORS

	* Be cautious if somebody asks for your nine-digit registration
number. A FEMA inspector will never ask for this information. They
already have it in their records.
	* Ask the person to show you their identification badge. Federal
employees always wear an official government badge to identify
themselves.

FAKE OFFERS OF LOCAL OR FEDERAL AID

	* Don’t trust someone who asks for money. Federal and local
disaster workers do not ask for nor accept money. FEMA and U.S. Small
Business Administration (SBA) staff never charge applicants for
disaster assistance, inspections 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.

FRAUDULENT BUILDING CONTRACTORS

	* Use licensed or verified local contractors backed by reliable
references.
	* To find licensed certified contractors check the Vermont Office of
Attorney General Consumer Assistance Program at ago.vermont.gov/cap
[https://ago.vermont.gov/cap].
	* 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.

If you suspect fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at
1-866-720-5721.

If you suspect identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s
website at identitytheft,gov [https://www.identitytheft.gov/#/].