ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The state of Alaska and FEMA are advising survivors of the Alaska West Coast Storms to remain vigilant against fraud and scams. Scam artists may pose as government officials, aid workers or insurance employees to exploit survivors at any stage in their recovery process.

Key Tips to Avoid Scams:

Verify FEMA Inspectors: Always request to see official FEMA identification. All FEMA employees carry a photo ID badge. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity. Beware of Fake Aid Offers: FEMA and local disaster workers do not charge for assistance, inspections, or application help. Never trust anyone asking for money in exchange for disaster aid or promising grants in return for large deposits. Don’t give banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA inspector.

Survivors are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists, identity thieves and others posing as disaster relief workers. 

If you receive suspicious emails or phone calls, you can call the main FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 or the FEMA Alaska Call Center at 1-866-342-1699 to verify if a FEMA contact is legitimate. 

To report disaster fraud, contact law enforcement, email [email protected] or call the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 1-866-720-5721.

Stay informed and protect yourself during the recovery process.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Missouri residents in Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cooper, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Vernon, Washington, or Wayne counties who were affected by the March 30–April 8 disaster may be eligible for FEMA assistance to help with rent.

If your primary home was unsafe to live in because of damage caused by the March 30 – April 8 disaster, and you had to temporarily live elsewhere, you can apply for FEMA assistance to help pay for alternate temporary housing.

To request assistance to help with rent, homeowners and renters need to contact FEMA and let them know. This can be done by: 

First applying for FEMA Assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov.Calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as VRS, give FEMA your number for that service. Sending your request in writing to FEMA: P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055. 

FEMA is required to conduct a home inspection to verify damage reported on your application. 

If approved, you will receive an initial rental award of up to two months of rent. Rental Assistance may help cover your monthly rent amount, which may include a security deposit. It might not cover all rental expenses. 

Continued Temporary Housing Assistance (CTHA)

Impacted residents who received help with rent from FEMA and require more rental assistance while working toward a

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