FEMA and PEMA warn of scams

July 27, 2006

State and federal disaster recovery officials are advising residents affected by the June flood to be aware of scams.

FEMA and PEMA officials say that callers claiming to be from their agencies may try to solicit personal information from flood victims. In some cases, callers have asked the disaster victim to supply bank account information and authorize electronic withdrawals from their account. In return, the caller promises the victim a grant from the state to cover personal property losses due to the disaster.

Agency officials say that there is never a processing fee to register for assistance. Anyone receiving these calls should hang up and report them to the State Attorney General's office at 800-441-2555.

The only way to register with FEMA is through the toll free hotline, at 800-621-FEMA, which is available from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.