AUSTIN, Texas – Texas survivors should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud after the storms and flooding that began July 2. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.
If a FEMA inspector contacts you or 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 so, inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance. The inspector will request a stop to the processing of your application.
If you did not apply for assistance and receive a letter from FEMA, or if you suspect fraudulent activity involving FEMA, you can report it to the FEMA Fraud Branch at StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov. You may also write to FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.
If you applied for FEMA assistance and received a notice that you already applied or that your application is being processed, you can visit a Disaster Recovery Center to receive in-person assistance.
You should also report suspicious activity to the FEMA Fraud Branch or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Scams
FEMA employees, housing inspectors and other officials work in the areas impacted by the flooding. They carry official identification badges with photo IDs. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.
Don't believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment. They don’t represent FEMA.
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.
How to Report Fraud
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff's department or contact the Office of the Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-621-0508. Learn more at fema.gov/disaster/4879 If you suspect identity theft, visit Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information or x.com/FEMARegion6 for helpful information.
To view an accessible video about fraud, visit FEMA Accessible: Fraud FEMA (youtube. com) For the latest information about the Texas recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4879. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.
To see this notice in SPANISH, go to Manténgase alerta ante los fraudes después del desastre.