[StBernard] FEMA and State Warn Disaster Victims To Be Alert For Fraud

[Westley Annis]

FEMA and State Warn Disaster Victims To Be Alert For Fraud

January 13 , 2006


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----

BATON ROUGE - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the state
of Louisiana warn disaster victims to be wary of fraud and misinformation
and stress they should be sure they are dealing with FEMA officials before
providing any personal information.

People should contact FEMA if they have questions or concerns about the
truthfulness of claims made by third parties through word of mouth or in
print.

Unfortunately, during disasters, there are many opportunities for fraud.
Misinformation is also common. FEMA programs have very specific eligibility
criteria, and FEMA cannot reimburse individuals for purchases not eligible
for federal or state of Louisiana assistance. Occasionally, individuals or
businesses will publish misleading information in an effort to sell products
with the promise that FEMA will reimburse the expenses.

Among the items not eligible for FEMA reimbursement include: gasoline,
toiletries, household cleaners, food and mold removal. Individuals should
always contact FEMA directly before they make any purchases or sign any
contracts for detailed information regarding eligible expenses. The purchase
of air purification equipment may be eligible only if certified, in writing,
by a licensed physician.  Disaster victims should not believe that items
purchased are covered under FEMA programs simply on the say-so of a third
party.

Individuals with questions or concerns with the truth about offers of
assistance should also contact FEMA. When dealing face-to-face with
individuals, be sure to ask for identification. Disaster victims should also
be aware of individuals calling disaster victims claiming to represent FEMA
and collecting personal financial information. This information is then used
to commit identity theft or to make false claims for disaster assistance.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your registration or eligibility
for disaster assistance, more information is available on the FEMA Website,
www.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.