25.12 Identity theft

In a disaster, documents get lost, information is shared with many people, and scammers take advantage to apply for aid in your name.

1. Protect your documents in a waterproof bag and an encrypted digital backup (chapter 2, section 2.10).
2. Give your information only when you started the contact through an official phone number or website. If they call you, hang up and call the official number yourself.
3. Check your credit report and your accounts for activity you do not recognize.
4. If a FEMA inspector shows up and you did not apply for aid, someone may have used your information: tell the inspector so they can stop the application.
5. If your identity was stolen, report it at IdentityTheft.gov, which gives you a step-by-step recovery plan. Consider freezing your credit with the three agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).