Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Headline: Kentuckians Reminded to Beware of Fraud and Scams
Kentuckians Reminded to Beware of Fraud and Scams
FRANKFORT, Ky
– When natural disasters occur, it’s possible that some people will try and exploit the situation by pretending to be official disaster aid workers
FEMA urges disaster survivors to stay alert for fraud and scams
Criminals—including scam artists, identity thieves, and others–can view disaster survivors as vulnerable targets
Fraud can happen at any stage: before, during, or even weeks or months after a disaster
Survivors are encouraged to report any suspicious activity and stay vigilant against possible post-disaster scams
Fake Promises of Aid or Requests for PaymentFEMA employees will never make a promise of a disaster grant
They will refer you to the proper application process, which can be found at DisasterAssistance
govFEMA employees will never ask you for money or accept a payment of any kind
FEMA and U
S
Small Business Administration (SBA) staff never charge applicants money for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications
Nor will they ask for deposits or advance payments for any service
FEMA Housing InspectorsAsk anyone who says they are a FEMA Inspector to show you their identification badge, which is a FEMA-issued photo ID
Federal employees always wear this official government ID to identify themselves
Be cautious if anyone asks for your nine-digit registration number
A FEMA inspector will never ask for this information
They already have it in their records
Fraudulent Building ContractorsUse licensed or verified local contractors backed by reliable references
To find licensed contractors, check the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction at dhbc
ky
gov
Please note that FEMA does not endorse any specific commercial businesses, products or services
Ensure that contractors detail the job to be done, with a clearly written and signed contract
If you suspect fraud, email the FEMA Disaster Fraud at: StopFEMAFraud@fema
dhs
gov
If you suspect identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website at identitytheft,gov
For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www
fema
gov/disaster/4860
Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x
com/femaregion4
martyce
allenjr
Wed, 04/02/2025 – 12:34