October 3, 2024, WFLA-TV News Channel 8, Tampa – “The size of this storm is going to increase the number of scammers,” said Lisa Miller, an insurance consultant with Lisa Miller & Associates. (Original story location: https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/tampa-police-warn-of-fema-impersonators/)
TAMPA – The Tampa Police Department is warning residents to beware of people impersonating Federal Emergency Management Agency officials as people continue to recover from Hurricane Helene.
Police said scammers will try to pose as officials to either steal someone’s personal information or their money after a disaster.
“The size of this storm is going to increase the number of scammers,” said Lisa Miller, an insurance consultant with Lisa Miller & Associates.
The department provided the following tips:
- Check for official photo ID badge
- FEMA NEVER charges application or inspection fees
- Look for FEMA logos on uniforms and vehicles
- Never give out personal information
- FEMA staff will contact from official channels
“If you receive a call to verify a FEMA registration you didn’t apply for, don’t share any personal details,” police wrote. “Hang up and report it right away.”
FEMA says it will only contact people who have called them first or applied for assistance.
Anyone who suspects fraudulent activity should report it to FEMA’s Fraud Hotline at 1-800-323-8603.
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