Kentucky police warn of scammers posing as FEMA, Red Cross after deadly tornadoes [Lexington Herald-Leader]

Dec. 19—Kentucky State Police have received "several complaints" of fraudulent disaster relief workers attempting to take advantage of victims after tornadoes devastated several Western Kentucky communities earlier this month.

State police warned the public about scammers trying to make money off disaster victims and reminded people that FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration never charge money for disaster help.

"These individuals may be posing as FEMA representatives, American Red Cross workers, insurance adjusters, contractors for debris removal, or general contractors," state police said of the possible scammers.

State police received information from the National Insurance Crime Bureau to help victims make sure they're utilizing legitimate contractors for cleanup and repair. The National Insurance Crime Bureau recommended that victims follow these guidelines:

— Get more than one estimate. Never let a contractor pressure you into hiring them.

— Work only with licensed and insured contractors.

— Demand references and check them.

— Ask to see the salesperson's driver's license and write down the driver's license number and their vehicle's license plate number.

— Get a contract in writing. This should include cost, time schedules, payment schedules, guarantees, work to be done, and other expectations that should be detailed.

— Never sign a contract with blanks as these could be filled in later without your knowledge.

— Never pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate until the work is done and ensure reconstruction is up to current code.

"FEMA representatives will never promise a disaster grant in return for payment and are never authorized to collect your personal financial information," state police said.

People can apply for legitimate federal aid by calling 1-800-621-3362, going online to DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA app.

If homeowners suspect fraud, they should contact their insurance company, police and the National Insurance Crime Bureau at 1-800-TEL-NICB, state police said.

State police also said they've received reports of looting and theft. State police asked people to call local law enforcement if they see suspected thefts. At least 11 people had been arrested by Friday over suspected theft from tornado-damaged properties in Kentucky.

The storms, which swept through Western Kentucky Dec. 10 overnight into Dec. 11, killed at least 78 people, Gov. Andy Beshear said Saturday.

As of Saturday, the state was housing 944 people affected by the tornadoes in hotels and state parks. Of those, 636 were being housed at Kentucky state parks, where food service has also been made available.

The state said more than 7,770 registrations for assistance have been "validated for processing" so far, and $1.67 million in individual assistance has been approved by FEMA. More than 10,000 insurance claims related to the storms have been filed, according to Beshear's office.

This story was originally published December 19, 2021 12:33 PM.

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