Fast Facts for September 2, 2021
Yes, FEMA assistance and funds are available for victims of natural disasters like wildfires in California or Hurricane Ida.
Large parts of this country are under some sort of disaster declaration right now. Whether it’s the raging wildfires in the west or the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Ida in the south and east. If you are a victim of any of those natural disasters, I want you to understand the federal resources that are available to you right now.
Not only am I going to explain how to apply for these funds – but I’m also going to show you four ways you can recognize if you’re getting scammed!
First – how to get the funds.
Depending on the natural disaster you’re dealing with there’s help for all kinds of things. There are programs to help you find safe, temporary housing, to help you repair the home you own or access road you drive on to get there, programs for those who are uninsured or under insured for help repairing or replacing some property like cars, and medical help if you’re injured.
Now – this federal money doesn’t just come automatically. You do have to apply for it. You can go to disasterassistance.gov. That’s run by a division of the department of homeland security and it’s the hub to help you figure out where to start and which application to fill out. For additional resources you can always go to fema.gov and look up the assistance that’s available to you based on the disaster you’re dealing with.
While I’m talking about FEMA – understand that in some parts of the country like, Louisiana – members of the federal FEMA team are actually on the ground walking around neighborhoods to identify victims and help people apply for these funds. They will be very recognizable with FEMA logos and badges. However – there are scammers out there who are posing as FEMA officials trying to steal from you. Here are the four ways to recognize a scam.
Number one — don’t trust anyone who shows up in person, calls on the phone or sends an email claiming they can help but then asks for money or personal information up front. It’s a scam if they ask your bank account number. Federal and local disaster workers do *not* solicit or accept money.
Number two – resist the pressure to act immediately. Scammers will often pressure you to provide information immediately.
Number three — scammers will insist you pay by sending money through a money transfer company or by putting money on a gift card and giving them the number on the back
And number four — if they ask for your 9-digit FEMA case number that’s a sure sign it’s a scam. Legitimate FEMA inspectors already have this information
If you come across a scammer impersonating a federal or local disaster worker report it to FEMA, or your local police department immediately. Scamming people during a disaster is a federal crime.
Apply for disaster assistance here.
FEMA information here.
