Spot and avoid FEMA impersonators

Scammers know natural disasters create opportunities to take advantage of people. One way they do that is by impersonating Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials to steal people’s money and personal information. FEMA impersonators often show up, call, or text people after a weather emergency and offer services like disaster grants or home inspections for a fee, usually cash up front. But these are scams: FEMA doesn’t charge people for disaster assistance.

Here’s how to spot and avoid FEMA impersonators to help keep your finances and identity safe during and after a weather emergency.

• Know that FEMA employees will never ask for money for inspections, disaster assistance, debris removal, grants, help with applications, or appeals. FEMA inspectors will not ask for your banking information. And anyone who says they work for FEMA but asks for money or financial information is a scammer.
• Verify their identity. FEMA staff and their contractors always wear an official badge with their name and photo on it. But scammers sometimes make fake badges or wear FEMA-branded clothing. If you’re unsure about someone claiming to be a FEMA representative, contact FEMA directly at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
• Don’t respond to unexpected calls and texts. If you get unexpected calls or texts from people claiming to be from FEMA, but you’ve never applied for FEMA disaster assistance, it’s highly likely to be a scam. FEMA only contacts people who’ve contacted them or applied for FEMA disaster assistance, and the agency never sends texts demanding money or personal information.

Download the FEMA Mobile App to get alerts and information and learn more about how to spot and avoid other disaster-related scams at ftc.gov/WeatherEmergencies.