Beware of Scammers

Protect Yourself From Disaster Scams

After a disaster, scammers may pose as government officials, insurance representatives, or contractors to steal money or personal information. Be cautious about unexpected calls, visits, texts, or emails.

Protect yourself:

• Never pay for disaster assistance. FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and government disaster workers do not charge fees to apply for assistance or conduct inspections.
• Protect your personal information. Do not give your Social Security number, banking information, or other sensitive information to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
• Be cautious of people claiming to be FEMA representatives. Ask to see official identification. When in doubt, contact FEMA directly using a trusted phone number or website.
• Protect your FEMA application or case number. Do not share it with someone who unexpectedly asks for it.
• Be careful when hiring contractors. Use licensed or verified contractors, check references, get a written estimate, and avoid paying large amounts upfront. Search for licensed North Carolina contractors.

Report a Scam

If you think you have been scammed or your personal information has been stolen, report it as soon as possible.

• Fraud or identity theft: Contact your local law enforcement agency or North Carolina Department of Justice.
• FEMA fraud: Report suspected FEMA fraud to StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov.
• Identity theft: Visit IdentityTheft.gov for steps to report and recover from identity theft.
• Contractor fraud or disputes: Contact the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.
• Local scams: Report scams through the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker.

Remember

If something feels suspicious, stop and verify before providing information, signing a contract, or making a payment.