The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is warning disaster survivors to be on the lookout for scammers posing as FEMA inspectors as the October 25th deadline to apply for disaster assistance approaches.
FEMA officials say legitimate inspectors always carry official photo identification. FEMA does not charge for inspections or promise to get an application approved.
Inspectors will also never ask for banking information, credit card details, or a survivor’s nine-digit FEMA registration number.
Anyone who encounters suspicious activity can report it to the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General at oig.dhs.gov/hotline or by emailing StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov.
Meanwhile, disaster survivors who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance are encouraged to do so before the October 25th deadline. Those who need to update an existing application should also act soon. Both Starke and Pulaski counties qualify for assistance from disaster relief programs.
Applications can be submitted online at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 800-621-3362. TTY users can call 800-462-7585. Assistance is available in most languages.
Survivors can also apply in person at a FEMA One Stop Shop, some of which have been held in La Porte County.
Those who have already applied are encouraged to keep their contact information current and respond promptly to any requests for additional documentation. FEMA officials say missing a phone call or letter could delay assistance.
