Hurricane Milton victims in Sarasota County, Florida, are being warned about scammers posing as FEMA workers. The Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief, Sandra Tapfumaneyi, issued a warning to residents about these fraudulent individuals who are trying to obtain financial information from the storm’s victims.
According to Tapfumaneyi, some scammers are going door-to-door with fake FEMA badges and asking residents for their bank account information. She emphasized that residents should never provide this information to anyone who shows up unannounced. Instead, hurricane victims seeking assistance should only share their information through FEMA’s official online system.
Tapfumaneyi advised residents to be cautious and not give out their bank account information or cash to anyone claiming to be from FEMA. If residents have any doubts about the authenticity of a FEMA worker, they should contact local authorities for verification.
Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in Sarasota County just last week. This comes shortly after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc in Florida and the southeast, including parts of western North Carolina.
In North Carolina, the work of FEMA workers was briefly suspended due to concerns that they could be targeted by militia groups as they responded to Hurricane Helene. However, authorities have since clarified that the suspect arrested in connection with these reports acted alone.
It is crucial for residents in disaster-affected areas to remain vigilant and cautious of potential scams during these challenging times. By staying informed and following official channels for assistance, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to fraudsters looking to exploit their vulnerability. Remember to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be from FEMA and report any suspicious activity to local authorities. Stay safe and informed during the recovery process.
