BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – FEMA is allowing Mercer, Wayne, Logan, McDowell, Wyoming, and Mingo counties to apply for assistance, and they are asking folks to stay alert for any potential scams.
According to a recent news release shared with WVVA, FEMA is warning those affected by the recent flooding to be aware of possible scam artists. They shared the following tips to help protect yourself from fraud:
- Don’t trust any local or federal workers who accept money from you.
- FEMA will only call or email you if you’ve contacted them first/are already registered for assistance.
- FEMA workers will always have identification badges on them, not just FEMA clothing.
- Never give personal information to anyone without official FEMA ID.
- Be aware of anyone who asks for your 9-digit FEMA registration ID.
- Watch trusted local media for FEMA updates.
- Home inspections may be necessary following registration. FEMA will only do this by appointment and will ask for the last four digits of your FEMA registration number, not all 9 numbers and never your social security number.
- FEMA will not endorse contractors to make repairs, their only job is to verify damage.
FEMA also say that you can report fraud to your local authorities, the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud, and the Disaster Fraud Hotline, which is 1-866-720-5721. The deadline for FEMA registration is April 28. To view the full news release, click here.
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