Chapter 25 · Mental health and personal safety

25.11 Scams after a disaster

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FEMA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warn that scammers "love a crisis": they pose as government employees, inspectors, insurers, charities, or contractors.

Scams after a disaster
Scam	What it looks like	What to know
Fake FEMA or government employee	Calls you or knocks on your door and offers to "speed up" your aid in exchange for a payment.	Disaster relief workers, local or federal, do not ask for or accept money. Applying for FEMA assistance is free.
Fake inspector	Asks for your Social Security number, bank details, or a payment to inspect.	FEMA inspectors already have your 9-digit registration number and never ask for money, bank details, or your Social Security number. They carry official photo ID; a FEMA shirt proves nothing.
Fake or abusive contractor	Shows up without being called, offers a very low price, pressures you to sign today, asks for payment in advance.	FEMA does not have "approved" contractors and does not recommend companies. See the list below.
Fake charity	Calls, emails, or messages urgently asking for donations; links.	Donate to organizations you already know; do not open links in unsolicited messages.
Price gouging	Water, ice, food, gasoline, tow trucks, or repairs at excessive prices.	In many states, after a disaster declaration, charging excessive prices for necessary items can be "price gouging," which is illegal under consumer protection laws.

Before hiring someone to make repairs

Get several estimates and do not sign anything on the spot
Ask your insurance adjuster for a professional estimate to compare
Check the company with the Better Business Bureau and ask for references from past customers
Confirm that it has liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage
Everything in writing: cost, work, dates, and payment method. Never sign a contract with blank spaces
Do not pay in advance (or pay the bare minimum); make the final payment only when an independent inspector approves the work
Write down the license plate of the seller's vehicle; be wary of out-of-town companies that show up after the disaster
Warranties in writing; ask whether the contractor will place a lien on the property
If you rent, the landlord coordinates building repairs: do not hire anyone on your own without their written authorization

Where to verify and report

Where to verify and report
For	Contact
Confirm whether someone works for FEMA / apply for assistance	FEMA Helpline: 1-800-621-3362 · DisasterAssistance.gov
Report FEMA-related fraud	Disaster Fraud Hotline: 1-866-720-5721 · StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov
Report scams	FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Price gouging or scams in your state	Your state attorney general's office, Consumer Protection (look up its phone number and email on your state's website)
Identity theft	IdentityTheft.gov (FTC)