How to tell if a FEMA inspector is legit to avoid scam during disaster relief process

Rin Velasco, USA TODAY NETWORK - New England

Even in disaster relief, there are still scammers out to get you.

Many in New England and across the country grappling with the effects of the severe storms this winter, which in some cases means filing FEMA to seek disaster assistance. But some scammers have tried to impersonate FEMA officials, creating confusion in the process.

FEMA has recently released a document, detailing the process of dealing with an official FEMA inspector and just how you can discern a scammer from a legitimate official.

How do I know if a FEMA inspector is legit?

FEMA Integrated Emergency Management Course at the Emergency Operations Center, Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
FEMA Integrated Emergency Management Course at the Emergency Operations Center, Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

A FEMA inspector should always have a form of identification on them.

"All FEMA personnel will display official identification," the agency said. "Always ask the inspector to show you their official badge, which shows their name and photo."

Inspectors will contact you via text or email to schedule a home inspection to confirm and examine the flood-related damage listed in your application for assistance, the document said. You should keep your appointment.

"The inspector will try to reach you three times – on different days and at different times of the day – to schedule your inspection," it said. "If the inspector cannot reach you, a letter and/or an e-mail will be sent to the address you provided at the time you applied."

FEMA Scams: Red flags to watch for

The document lists a few ways you can distinguish a scammer from an official.

  • FEMA inspectors do not request money to complete an inspection. They do not promise that you will receive a grant.

  • Wearing a shirt or jacket with FEMA on it does not constitute an official ID.

"If you find a FEMA inspector’s letter on your door and you did not apply for assistance with FEMA, contact FEMA or the FEMA Fraud Investigations and Inspections Division at 866-223-0814 or email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov," FEMA said.

You should not disregard FEMA inspector letters if you have applied. You should also report any identity theft or fraud to your local police station, if you believe either has occurred.

Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on wickedlocal.com: FEMA Disaster Relief: How to identify a FEMA inspector to avoid scam

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