As thousands of people look to rebuild their lives after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Florida officials are putting out a warning about scammers impersonating Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials. Sarasota County’s emergency management chief announced on Thursday, Oct. 17, that imposters with fake FEMA badges were asking residents for their bank account information.
The agency advises individuals to never give out their bank account information nor give cash to anyone claiming to be a FEMA agent.
FEMA also notes that natural disaster survivors should be aware of online scammers. The agency advised people to avoid sharing personal or financial information online, as well as following links promising offers for FEMA disaster assistance.
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FEMA maintains it does not “endorse any commercial business, products or services.”
If a person has any concerns about potential scams, the agency advises people to call local law enforcement or report any suspicious or fraudulent activity to the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s website.
Insurance analysts estimate recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton could soar past $100 billion.