Beware of Fraud, Scams When Seeking Disaster Assistance (FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency)

(Source: FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency) Baton Rouge, La. - State and federal recovery officials urge Louisiana residents affected by the March flooding events throughout the state to watch for and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud. As government agencies and charitable groups began providing disaster assistance, scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals may attempt to prey on vulnerable survivors. The most common post-disaster fraud practices include phony housing inspectors, fraudulent building contractors, bogus pleas for disaster donations and fake offers of state or federal aid. The...