Chatham County officials are alerting residents to a new wave of scams targeting disaster survivors, with criminals impersonating FEMA agents to gain access to homes. Reports of these fraudulent activities have surfaced in the aftermath of recent hurricanes, raising concerns about the safety and security of vulnerable residents.
Chatham Emergency Management Agency is urging residents to stay vigilant and verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent FEMA. Scammers are using deception to exploit disaster survivors, posing as FEMA housing inspectors or offering fake financial aid programs.
How to Spot a Real FEMA Inspector: FEMA inspectors carry official government badges and already have your registration number on file. They will never ask for money, banking information, or payment for inspections. They also won’t climb on roofs or enter crawl spaces during their visits.
Authorities are also warning about fraudulent disaster aid offers that require large up-front payments or deposits, and cases of identity theft where scammers apply for FEMA assistance using stolen personal information.
If you’re approached by someone claiming to be from FEMA, always demand to see their photo ID. If you haven’t applied for FEMA aid but receive a visit or letter, your information may have been used fraudulently. You should report such incidents to FEMA’s helpline at 800-621-3362.
Protecting Yourself and Others Chatham officials recommend sharing this information widely to prevent others from falling victim. Residents can also visit fema.gov/disaster-fraud for more guidance on recognizing and reporting fraudulent activities.
Scammers are increasingly sophisticated in taking advantage of disaster-stricken communities. Remaining cautious and informed is key to staying safe in the aftermath of a crisis.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
