September 22, 2008
FEMA released the following information to local communities affected by Hurricane Ike.
FEMA has contracted with two companies to supply in excess of 2000 inspectors to inspect damage done by Hurricane Ike in the State of Texas. At the present time over 600 are already in Texas doing inspections with the remainder to arrive by the end of the week.
Unfortunately in every disaster individuals take advantage of victims and commit fraud by trying to pose as inspectors for FEMA to get personal information from victims to use in identity theft scams. The criminals also attempt to collect money for doing fraudulent inspections.
FEMA inspectors will have a badge that will used to identify them as contractors that will be doing the inspections under FEMA contract.
FEMA has contracted with PB Inspections and PARR to do inspections of damage for the purpose of determining eligibility for assistance from loss caused by Hurricane Ike. There is no cost for this inspection and inspectors should not ask for money.
Inspectors will need to verify the following examples of items:
The identity of the applicant
A photo ID such as driver’s license
Proof of occupancy at the time of disaster
Utility bill
Merchants statement
If an owner proof of ownership
Insurance policy should structure insurance in the owner’s name
Title
Mortgage receipt
If a renter
Lease
Utility bill in the renter’s name
Name and phone number of the landlord
All inspectors will have an electronic pad and all the applicant’s information will be on the available to them. The inspector will show the electronic pad to the applicant and ask they verify the information and will only collect information that he applicants states is incorrect.
