Residents warned of possible FEMA scams in Northern Tier Counties

NORTHERN TIER, Pa. ( WETM ) — FEMA funding is now available to residents in the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania impacted by heavy flooding from storms in early August, but unfortunately, some people are using this opportunity to take advantage of flood victims in the form of FEMA scams.

According to Representative Clint Owlett, residents in Tioga County are to be advised of a person or a group of people claiming to be FEMA workers and trying to get personal information off of flood victims.

The release states that these individuals are trying to collect social security numbers, bank account information, and other personal information. Owlett wants to let residents know that FEMA members will never ask for this information.

“My office was contacted this morning about this, (Monday, Sept. 16) and we verified with both FEMA and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency that they do not and will not have people walking around gathering that sort of personal information,” Owlett said.

Trey Paul a representative from FEMA told 18 News on Monday that crews from FEMA will be going door to door in the Westfield area and other areas impacted, but only to sign them up for assistance.

“They will always have a badge with them, so make sure you always ask, ‘May I see your badge?’ they can show it to you, they have a lanyard (with the badge on it) always check and we’ll be happy to talk to you about that,” said Paul.

Paul said that FEMA wants as many people to sign up as possible who were impacted by the storms on Aug 9 and Aug 10, even if they don’t have insurance. Residents can show receipts, and credit card statements, or show items that need to be replaced or repaired and FEMA agents will be willing to work with you.

Paul added that FEMA can even help residents with rental assistance, temporary housing, and other assistance such as minor home repairs.

FEMA crews will be in the area in Tioga County for as long as they’re needed, and residents can contact them by calling 1-800-621-3362, downloading the FEMA App, visiting disasterassistance.gov , or visiting a disaster recovery center. The deadline to apply for FEMA funding is Nov. 12.

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