Vermonters are urged to be alert for potential
fraud during recovery and rebuilding efforts
following Tropical Storm Irene. This protects
the identity of the individuals, maintains a
lower cost of rebuilding, and ensures the
system is not over burdened with fraudulent
cases.
Several legitimate persons including,insurance
agents, FEMA Community Relations specialist,
local inspectors and legitimate contractors,
may have reason to visit a storm-damaged
property to perform their duties. Survivors
could however, encounter people posing as
inspectors, government officials or
contractors in a bid to obtain personal
information or collect payment for repairing
work.
The best strategy to protect yourself against
fraud is to request to see the individual(s)
identification to ensure the safeguard of your
personal financial information.
Vermonters are reminded that all FEMA
employees and contractors wear a laminated
identification photo badge, visible to the
public. A FEMA shirt or jacket alone; is not
sufficient proof that someone works for the
agency. FEMA inspectors may require
verification of identity but, will not ask for
personal financial information during a home
inspection. FEMA and U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA) staff never charge
applicants for disaster assistance,
inspections or for help filling out
applications. FEMA inspectors verify damage,
but do not recommend specific contractors.
FEMA is vigilant for scam artists who seek to
take advantage of the disaster survivors by
posing as building contractors, inspectors or
experts who can help Vermonters get federal or
state assistance. FEMA also takes the role as
a steward of taxpayer dollars seriously, and
actively pursues those who attempt to exploit
taxpayers by filing faults disaster claims.
In an effort to bring fraud perpetrators to
justice, we need help. Please report any
known fraudulent activity, such as, filing
false damage claims, or other instances of
fraud, waste or abuse to the Vermont's
Attorney General's Office; telephone
802-656-3183. In addition, FEMA maintains a
disaster fraud hotline at 800-323-8603 for
use by anyone wishing to report suspected
incidents of fraud. Complaints may be made
anonymously or the caller may request
confidentiality.
If you have questions or need additional
information, please contact the Office of
Intergovernmental Affairs at the Burlington,
VT Joint Field Office (JFO) at (571) 329.6510
or (571) 732.5543.
