Tennessee residents affected by December's tornadoes are being warned by state and federal officials to look out for scam artists and identity thieves posing as disaster-relief workers.
Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the advisory on Jan. 20, in response to reports of criminals targeting survivors of the Dec. 11-12, 2021 tornado outbreak in Tennessee. In the alert, FEMA and state emergency management officials urged residents to be on the watch for, and report, any suspicious activity.
"Many unscrupulous people take advantage of survivors by posing as FEMA representatives, housing inspectors or other official disaster-aid workers," FEMA states in the alert. "Many say they are 'just trying to help' survivors complete their applications, but they are trying to obtain personal identity information. Others claim to be contractors only to make promises they don’t keep while pocketing a survivor’s money."
FEMA states in the alert that federal and local disaster-aid workers cannot ask for or accept money and do not charge for assistance or inspections. Be wary of anyone who unexpectedly comes by or calls, claiming to be with FEMA; FEMA officials carry laminated badges. Do not give out financial or banking information to anyone; FEMA workers will never ask for or collect personal banking information.
Residents who need to hire a contractor to repair or rebuild their homes are advised to only hire contractors who are licensed and certified in Tennessee and to get several references. Require a detailed itemization of the work to be done, including costs, only pay half up front and get receipts.
FEMA urges anyone who believes they have been or are a victim of a scam is advised to call their local police department and the office of the attorney general of Tennessee.
Tornado survivors still in need of assistance are advised to visit DisasterAssistance.gov .
