Avoid Disaster-Related Scams and Fraud

As North Carolina residents work to recover from the recent flooding resulting from Hurricane Matthew, they should be on guard for and report suspicious activity of potential fraud and scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals who prey on survivors. The following are a few common post-disaster fraud practices:

Fraudulent phone calls or visits: Individuals claiming to be from FEMA and who do not have proper FEMA photo identification.

• Survivors will be asked to provide their Social Security number and banking information only when registering for FEMA assistance. They should never give this information to contractors.

Fake offers of federal aid: A phone or in-person solicitor promises to speed up the insurance, disaster assistance or building-permit process for a fee. Other scam artists promise a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.

• Federal workers do not solicit or accept money.
• FEMA and SBA staffers will never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or for assisting individuals fill out applications.
• If in doubt, survivors should not give out information.

Phony housing inspectors: If home damage is visible from the street, an owner/applicant may be especially vulnerable to fraudulent housing inspectors who claim to represent FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Applicants should ALWAYS:

• Ask to see the inspector’s identification badge. A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not proof of someone’s affiliation with the government. ederal employees and contractors carry official photo identification.
• FEMA inspectors will already have applicants’ nine digit registration number.
• FEMA inspectors will never require banking or other personal information.North Carolina residents should also be aware that FEMA housing inspectors verify damage. They do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs nor do they determine your eligibility for assistance.

Fraudulent building contractors: Disasters also attract fraudulent contractors who offer to begin work immediately and request a cash advance payment. When hiring a contractor:

Residents returning to or repairing homes damaged by Hurricane Matthew should keep in mind that safety should always be their first consideration when inspecting and cleaning up buildings damaged by flood waters.

Below are a few simple guidelines to follow that will make the clean-up and salvage process safer and easier:

• Always wear protective clothing including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, rubber or plastic gloves and waterproof boots or shoes.
• Before entering your home, look outside for damaged power lines, gas lines and other exterior damage.
• Take photos of your damage before you begin clean up and save repair receipts.
• Your home may be contaminated with mold, which raises the health risk for those with asthma, allergies and breathing conditions. Refer to the Center for Disease Control for more info on mold: www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/pdf/flyer-get-rid-of-mold.pdf.
• Open doors and windows so your house can air out before spending any length of time inside.
• Turn off main electrical power and water systems and don’t use gas appliances until a professional can ensure they are safe.
• Check all ceilings and floors for signs of sagging or other potentially dangerous structural damage.
• Throw out all foods, beverages and medicines exposed to flood waters or mud including canned goods and containers with food or liquid.
• Also, throw out any items that absorb water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected (mattresses, carpeting, stuffed animals, etc.).
• Beware of snakes, insects, alligators and other animals that may be on your property or in your home.
• Remove all drywall and insulation that has been in contact with flood waters.
• Clean all hard surfaces (flooring, countertops, appliances, sinks, etc.) thoroughly with hot water and soap or detergent.

Before returning to your home, make sure you have the following items among your clean-up and salvage supplies: government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, etc.) and proof of address; bottled water and non-perishable foods; first aid kit; cleanser or hand cleaning gel; hygiene products and toilet paper; insect repellent and sunscreen; flashlights and extra batteries; camera or cell phone to document damage; a list of important phone numbers; and plenty of cash (ATMs may not work).

It’s also smart to create a back-up communication plan with family and friends in case you’re unable to call from your home or other areas affected by the hurricane.

If you haven’t done so already, report your damage from the hurricane to your insurance company and local emergency manager.