FEMA warns Rhode Islanders affected by September storms of scam calls

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is warning Rhode Islanders of scammers calling residents affected by the September storms.

FEMA said that residents affected by the storm have received calls from scam artists pretending to be FEMA representatives.

The con artists reportedly asked for personal information, such as social security numbers and income and banking information.

“A FEMA representative who calls an applicant should already have access to personal information to verify,” the agency said. “Also, all FEMA representatives wear a photo ID badge. A FEMA shirt is not absolute proof of identity.”

Anyone who has received a call can report it to the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or online at IdentityTheft.gov.