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Natural Disaster-Related Fraud Prevention Tips and Resources for Borrowers, Renters, and the Mortgage Industry

Be Alert

Be aware that when a natural disaster occurs, fraudsters may employ schemes to try to steal your sensitive person information, money, or home. Assistance to homeowners and renters is available through FEMA and other programs; however, scammers are increasing their attempts to harm homeowners, mortgage borrowers, and renters through housing scams, relief scams, and mortgage fraud.

Watch out for:

  • Imposters posing as FEMA representatives after a disaster asking for money.
    • FEMA does not request or accept money, and all FEMA employees, including home inspectors, wear an official government badge to identify themselves.
    • Be cautious if you are asked for your FEMA nine-digit registration number – a FEMA inspector will never ask for this information, as they already have it in their records.
    • Do not give out your banking information – FEMA inspectors never require banking or other personal information such as a Social Security Number.
  • Fraudulent building contractors.
    • Use registered local contractors backed by reliable references (check your state’s licensing database) and ensure you have a written contract with all of the required information.
    • Do not pay more than half the costs of repair in advance.
  • Fraudulent offers for mortgage or rental assitance that require up-front payments such as cash, check, or wire transfer payments.
    • No legitimate relief program requires up-front payments.
  • Unsolicited contact from persons reporting to be affiliated with your bank or mortgage company, landlord, or management company.
    • Request the person’s name and contact information.
    • Then, contact your financial institution or landlord via a trusted channel, such as a phone number on a recent bill or statement, to verify whether the contact is legitimate.
  • Scammers offering help with delaying loan payments or modifying mortgages for a fee.
    • Housing counseling services and adjustments should always be free.
  • Post-disaster insurance scams.
    • Be wary of individuals offering you money immediately following a disaster in exchange for money you will get later from your insurance company. You will ultimately get much less money from the individual than the insurance company would have paid you or your home repair contractors directly.

Borrowers should report possible mortgage fraud to FHFA’s Office of Inspector General online or at 800-793-7724.


For More Information and Assistance:

You can find additional natural disaster-related fraud prevention resources as well as mortgage help online and by telephone at:

For Mortgage Indusry Professionals: