FEMA Urges West Virginians to Protect Their Identity and Stay Informed

Protecting Your Identity After a Disaster

After a natural disaster, it’s crucial to protect your identity against fraud and identity theft. Criminals may attempt to obtain personal information by posing as disaster workers. To stay safe, remember:

• Federal and local disaster workers never solicit or accept money. Be wary of anyone offering help who then asks for payment.
• FEMA will only contact you if you’ve previously reached out to them or registered for assistance. Be cautious of unsolicited calls or emails claiming to be from FEMA.
• Always verify the identity of FEMA personnel by asking to see their official ID badge. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not sufficient proof of identity.
• Never share personal information, including your Social Security number or bank details, unless you’re speaking with a verified FEMA representative.
• Be cautious if someone asks for your 9-digit FEMA registration ID.

After applying for FEMA assistance, a home inspection may be necessary. FEMA inspectors will schedule an appointment before visiting your home and may verify your identity using the last four digits of your 9-digit registration number. They will never ask for your full registration number or Social Security number.

Residents of Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne, and Wyoming counties are eligible to apply for FEMA assistance to cover costs from damage and losses caused by the February 15-18, 2025 flooding. The application deadline is Monday, April 28, 2025.

There are four ways to apply:

1. Call 800-621-3362
2. Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
3. Use the FEMA App (available on Google Play or the Apple App Store)
4. Visit one of our FEMA West Virginia Disaster Recovery Centers

If you have insurance, file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot pay for losses covered by your insurance.

For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, the West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www.fema.gov/disaster/4861, or www.facebook.com/FEMA.

To report scams, fraud, or identity theft, contact:

• The toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721
• The Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud: justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form