Woman tried to get FEMA assistance after Irma but someone had already stolen her identity
"It wasn't too terrible," she said, recounting the warm days and dark nights. "It could have been worse."
The 46-year-old
On Wednesday, she went online to file a claim. Someone had already done so with her name, address and
"I was a little distraught," she said.
When she put in a call into
"I said, 'Stop, don't do anything. There has been fraud on this account.'"
Eastman said she has never been victim of fraud and has worked hard to protect her information.
"It doesn't surprise me today with all of the fraud that's happening in our world," she said, referring to the recent
"We're not aware of any widespread fraud," he said.
Anyone who tries to apply for
Residents who think they need to correct a mistake on their claim or withdraw it can contact
"People who intentionally try to defraud the government are taking money away from those who truly need assistance,"
Filing a false claim of losses is considered a felony, according to
"Special agents from the
Eastman called the decision to file a claim in the first place "a blessing in disguise." Without it, she may have never found out that her information had been stolen.
"Whoever it is, I do hope they get found," Eastman said.
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