Such deceptions pose dangers as they might attempt to obtain personal information, which could be used to steal an identity or collect payment for disaster assistance or repairs.
Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency reminds that Federal Emergency Management Agency employees do no solicit or accept money or ask for personal information from disaster survivors; however, legitimate disaster assistance employees, such as insurance agents, damage inspectors or other federal staff, may visit your property.
FEMA does not have “approved contractors” and never solicit or accept money including charging for applications for assistance. FEMA employees always wear FEMA shirts and have federal photo ID badges.
Disaster survivors should always ask for credentials, whether it’s a contractor or a employee at another agency.
A contractor’s license can be verified online at http://doas.ga.gov for Georgia residents or www.llr.state.sc.us/pol/contractors in South Carolina.
Scams can come in the form of phone calls, text messages, e-mails and knocks at your door. Be wary of handing out any Social Security, bank account or credit card number.
Georgia residents who need assistance during with contacting their insurance company, filing a claim or resoling a complaint can call the hurricane hotline at (800) 656-2298 for advice from insurance department specialists. Information can also be found at www.oci.ga.gov.
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