Beware of Scams

    If you receive a call from a person claiming to be from the United States Treasury Department, especially if they ask you to send money or to “press 2 to accept charges,” it is most likely a scam.  Be careful!
    Always check to make sure that any contractor you hire to work on your home is licensed and insured.  References can also be helpful in making sure the person or company you are hiring is legitimate.  Get a contract in writing rather than a verbal agreement.  Some illegitimate contractors will try to get cash up front or scare you into agreeing to have work done on your home.  Do not make a decision in a panic.  Do your research so you do not fall victim to a scam.
    FEMA warns about people going to neighborhoods selling “mold free certificates of occupancy.”  These people are telling homeowners that one of the certificates must be purchased before the home may be occupied again.  Do not purchase one of these certificates from anyone.  If you come across anyone selling these certificates, please call the police.
    FEMA also offers the following scam information:
    As government agencies and charitable groups began providing disaster assistance, scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals may attempt to prey on vulnerable survivors. The most common post-disaster fraud practices include phony housing inspectors, fraudulent building contractors, bogus pleas for disaster donations and fake offers of state or federal aid.
    No individual with a government disaster assistance agency will call or text asking for financial account information.  Survivors also should keep in mind that federal and state workers never ask for or accept money and always carry identification badges. There is no fee required to apply for or to get disaster assistance from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration or the state.
    Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail or email, text or in person. Unfortunately, there seems to be no limit to the inventiveness of those wanting to commit fraud. Louisiana residents are asked to remain alert, ask questions and require photo identification when someone claims to represent a government agency.
    Those who question the validity of a contact or suspect fraud are encouraged to call the toll free FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. Complaints also may be made by contacting local law enforcement agencies.