FEMA WARNS OF SCAMS FOLLOWING TROPICAL STORM LEE

The following excerpt is from the FEMA website:

“Release Date: September 28, 2011
ALBANY, N.Y. – New York residents whose properties were damaged by Tropical Storm Lee are urged to be alert for and report potential fraud during recovery and rebuilding efforts, officials with the New York State Office of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said today.
The aftermath of a Tropical Storm like Lee can bring out the best in disaster-affected communities, but such events can also attract opportunists and con artists. Homeowners can follow some simple steps to avoid being scammed.
Be suspicious if a contractor:
Demands cash or full payment up front for repair work.
Has no physical address or identification.
Urges you to borrow to pay for repairs, then steers you to a specific lender or tries to act as an intermediary between you and a lender.
Asks you to sign something you have not had time to review.
Wants your personal financial information to start the repair or lending process.
To avoid scams:
Question strangers offering to do repair work and demand to see identification.
Do your own research before borrowing money for repairs. Compare quotes, repayment schedules and rates. If they differ significantly, ask why.
Never give any personal financial information to an unfamiliar person.
Never sign any document without first reading it fully. Ask for an explanation of any terms or conditions you do not understand.
If you believe you are the victim of a contracting scam or price gouging, contact local law enforcement . The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has information that can help you be smart about home improvement loans. Many legitimate persons -- insurance agents, FEMA Community Relations personnel, local inspectors and real contractors -- may have to visit your storm-damaged property. Survivors could, however, encounter people posing as inspectors, government officials or contractors in a bid to obtain personal information or collect payment for repair work. Your best strategy to protect yourself against fraud is to ask to see identification in all cases and to safeguard your personal financial information. Please keep in mind that local, state and federal employees DO NOT solicit or accept money for public services.
All FEMA employees and contractors will have a laminated photo ID. A FEMA shirt or jacket alone is not proof of identity. FEMA generally will only request an applicant's Social Security or bank account numbers during the initial registration process. However, FEMA inspectors may require verification of identity. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help to fill out applications. FEMA inspectors verify damages but do not recommend or hire specific contractors to fix homes.”