COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is warning Ohio tornado victims to be aware of scams, as they tend to increase after disasters. 

What You Need To Know

  • FEMA is warning those affected to be careful when giving out personal information, stating that the agency, the Small Business Administration and other federal and state disaster workers will never ask for money or require payment in any form

  • If someone comes to your home posing as a FEMA inspector and you didn't submit a FEMA application, the agency said it's likely your information was used without your knowledge

  • The agency said if you receive a letter from FEMA but didn't apply for assistance, call the helpline (800-621-3362)

Just last week, President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in Ohio for the March 14 tornadoes that affected 11 counties: Auglaize, Crawford, Darke, Delaware, Hancock, Licking, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Richland and Union. The tornadoes killed three people and injured many others. 

FEMA is warning those affected to be careful when giving out personal information, stating that the agency, the Small Business Administration and other federal and state disaster workers will never ask for money or require payment in any form. 

A scam FEMA pointed out is fraudulent applications. If someone comes to your home posing as a FEMA inspector and you didn't submit a FEMA application, the agency said it's likely your information was used without your knowledge. FEMA added to tell the inspector that you didn't apply for assistance, so that way you can submit a request to stop the processing of the application. 

The agency said if you receive a letter from FEMA but didn't apply for assistance, call the helpline (800-621-3362), which will have someone help you submit a request to stop the application process. 

FEMA added it's always good to ask to see an ID from the worker, as FEMA personnel always have an official identification badge. 

Additionally, if anyone asks for you to verify personally identifiable information by phone and you're unsure if it's legit, FEMA said to call the helpline to ensure it's someone who works for the agency. 

"Don’t give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors do not collect or ask to confirm your personal financial information," FEMA said.

Reporting scams

If you believe you've been caught in a scam, FEMA said report it the local police or sheriff's department. 

If you believe there is a fraud or scams involving FEMA operations, you can reporting it by:

  • Emailing StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov
  • Calling 866-223-0814
  • Mailing a letter to 400 C Street SW, Suite 7SW-1009, Mail Stop 3005, Washington, D.C., 20472-3005

To report and get help recovering from identity theft, click here.

For more information about the disaster recovery operation, click here.

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