# 6998
Today, a bit of an update to a blog I ran last November in the wake of Hurricane Sandy’s late October rampage across the Mid Atlantic states (see FEMA: Beware Of Post-Disaster Scam Artists).
FEMA continues to receive reports of scam artists impersonating local and federal officials, often targeting senior citizens in the hard hit areas of New Jersey and New York.
As unconscionable as it sounds, con artists love to capitalize on the fear, misery, and confusion that prevail following disasters. Sadly, senior citizens are frequently their preferred target.
Scams range from unscrupulous contractors that take large deposits on repair work, only never to return – to fake government `officials’ who request your bank account information (or a co-payment) to direct deposit `emergency relief funds’ to your account.
Yesterday, the New Jersey FEMA office released the following reminder.
Attention Senior Sandy Survivors: Beware Of Scams
Release date: March 11, 2013
Release Number: 4086-123
TRENTON, N.J. -- New Jersey seniors recovering from Hurricane Sandy are strongly advised to beware of scam artists claiming to represent the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration or the National Flood Insurance Program.
By going door to door to storm-damaged homes or making contact by phone or on the Internet, scam artists may try to obtain personal information such as Social Security and bank account numbers or falsely claim that you need to make a payment to a federal agency.
To avoid being a victim of a scam, remember:
- On any follow-up calls, a FEMA representative will only ask for the last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security number.
- While a FEMA representative may visit your home in connection with your claim, they will not ask you to make a payment.
- If someone comes to your door identifying themselves as a FEMA, SBA or NFIP representative, ask to see their federal identification badge. All authorized FEMA or SBA employees are required to display a laminated photo identification badge at all times.
- If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, call the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 800-323-8603 or call the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
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Last Updated:
March 12, 2013 - 09:18
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