Is the FEMA Disaster Relief Scam real or a scam?

This is a confirmed scam. Do not click any links, do not provide personal information, and do not send money. This is a impersonation scam that impersonates FEMA.

What should I do if I received the FEMA Disaster Relief Scam?

Do not respond or click any links. Block the sender, report the message as spam, and delete it. If it came via text message, forward it to 7726 (SPAM).

What if I already fell for the FEMA Disaster Relief Scam?

Change your passwords immediately, contact your bank if you shared financial information, place a fraud alert on your credit, and file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How do I report the FEMA Disaster Relief Scam?

Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, and your local law enforcement. If it impersonated a specific company, report it to that company as well.

FEMA Disaster Relief Scam: Is It a Scam?

Medium Prevalence Type: Impersonation Impersonates: FEMA

Yes, this is a scam. Do not click any links or provide personal information.

After natural disasters, scammers impersonate FEMA workers and other relief organizations to steal personal information, collect fake fees, or divert legitimate disaster relief funds. Victims who are already in crisis are especially vulnerable.

How This Scam Works

Scammers may show up in person claiming to be FEMA inspectors asking for personal details and bank account numbers. They may call or text claiming you are eligible for disaster relief and need to provide your Social Security number and bank details to receive aid. Some scammers set up fake charity websites or GoFundMe pages after publicized disasters. Others file fraudulent FEMA claims using stolen identities. In person, fake contractors also show up after disasters offering repair services, collect large deposits, and disappear.

Red Flags to Watch For

FEMA never asks for payment to apply for or receive disaster aid
Unsolicited calls claiming you qualify for disaster relief
FEMA inspectors carry official ID and will never ask for bank information
Fake charities with names similar to real organizations
Contractors who demand full payment upfront before work begins

Example Scam Messages

Phone call: 'This is FEMA calling about disaster relief for your area. You've been approved for a $5,000 emergency grant. To deposit the funds, I need your Social Security number and bank routing number.' --- Text: 'FEMA ALERT: You may be eligible for disaster assistance up to $10,000. Apply now before funds run out: fema-disaster-aid.com/apply' --- In person: 'I'm a FEMA inspector. I need to see your ID and bank statements to process your claim. There's also a $100 application fee that I can collect now.'

What to Do If You Received This

Apply for FEMA aid only at disasterassistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362
FEMA never charges application fees
Ask in-person inspectors for official FEMA identification
Verify charities at give.org or charitynavigator.org before donating
Get multiple written estimates before hiring contractors for repairs

What to Do If You Fell For It

If you shared your SSN, file an identity theft report at identitytheft.gov
Place a fraud alert at all three credit bureaus
Contact your bank if you provided financial information
Report fake FEMA workers to local law enforcement
Report fraudulent contractors to your state attorney general

How to Report This Scam

Report FEMA fraud to the DHS OIG at oig.dhs.gov/hotline
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
File a complaint with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
Report charity fraud to your state attorney general
Report to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720-5721

Last updated: February 10, 2026