Laurens County Sheriff’s Office Issues FEMA Fraud Alert: Residents Urged to Stay Vigilant

The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office has issued a fraud alert warning residents about potential scams involving individuals posing as FEMA representatives. The alert follows reports of unsolicited calls and emails from people claiming to be federal employees in an attempt to gain access to personal information.

“Scammers often use disasters to exploit people’s trust, so it’s crucial that our community knows how to recognize these fraudulent tactics,” said Sheriff Don Reynolds. “Remember, FEMA won’t call out of the blue. Always verify the identity of anyone who contacts you, and don’t be afraid to hang up and reach out to FEMA or our office if something doesn’t feel right.”

The Sheriff’s Office advises residents that FEMA will only contact individuals who have initiated communication or registered for assistance.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Fraud:

• Request Identification: If a caller claims to represent FEMA, ask for their official ID number and verify by calling FEMA directly.
• No Fees: FEMA does not charge any fees for applications or inspections. If someone requests payment, it’s a red flag.
• Confirm Application Details: Ask the caller to confirm your complete application number. If they cannot provide it, end the call and report the encounter.

To confirm the legitimacy of any communication claiming to be from FEMA, you can call FEMA’s Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.