Flagler County Emergency Management is warning residents that individuals misrepresenting themselves as FEMA staff have been reported in neighboring communities.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency requires all of its employees to wear a lanyard with their FEMA badges prominently displayed when making formal contact with the public.
“It has come to my attention that individuals claiming to be from FEMA are telling residents they are there to do a home inspection,” said Sally Sherman, Flagler County’s acting Public Safety Emergency Manager. “If they don’t have a FEMA badge, and they are not from FEMA.”
Additionally, FEMA does not ask for payment for home inspections its staff performs.
In one incident in nearby St. Johns County, a homeowner that had neither applied for FEMA assistance nor sustained any Hurricane Irma damage was approached about a home inspection.
“I don’t want any of our residents to fall prey to one of these scam artists,” Sherman said. “Ask them to leave and then call the Sheriff’s Office.”
The non-emergency number for the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is 386-313-4911.
DEE k Griggs says
Yes , indeed beware I got ripped off my a supposed contractor for Fema doing home repairs, took money to buy supplies rent equipment and dumpster and went
They know older people are easier targets so if you think you might even have the slightest chance of that happening to you, make sure you have a younger family member at your house , don’t just discuss, get everything in writing, contractors license numbers, make their picture if you have a cell phone a copy of their D.L. , a picture of their truck, a picture of their tag. Don’t get blown away two and 3 times by the same hurricane. Take every precaution. Don’t trust . Be safe . Instead .