HOUSTON – Scammers could be using your identity to get payouts for flood damage that doesn't exist.
Inspectors did not knock on one victim's door before leaving, "Sorry we missed you" letter on the door. In another case, inspectors were taking pictures of a property when the homeowner went out to ask what they were doing and why.
In both cases, the inspectors informed the homeowners that they were following up on a FEMA claim for assistance that had been filed for their addresses. Neither homeowner had filed, because their homes had no flood damage.
Consumer expert Amy Davis reached out to FEMA, whose officials said they have heard several similar stories. They said homeowners should report the information to the FEMA Fraud hotline at 866-720-5721.
If someone claims to be a FEMA representative and is on your property, you should always ask to see their FEMA employee ID badge. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity. All FEMA representatives, including contracted inspectors, will have a laminated photo ID.
You should also file a police report and put fraud alerts or freezes on your accounts with all three credit bureaus.
One of the homeowners confirmed with FEMA that whoever filled out the FEMA application had his Social Security number. The only information that did not belong to him was the telephone number and email address. The fraudster requested that FEMA send money to them via an electronic funds transfer using a Green Dot bank account.