Hurricane Sandy Recovery – Beware of Scams
The following information on Hurricane Sandy was provided by FEMA and is being republished here for your information and awareness.
Sandy Recovery Bulletin |
New Jersey | DR-4086-NJ | Hurricane SandyThe State of New Jersey and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are committed to providing the most relevant information to survivors of Hurricane Sandy. We will periodically email you with resources and news on the recovery. Please do not reply to this email. If you have any questions, visit a Disaster Recovery Center near you or call the toll-free FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). If you wish to unsubscribe, click the link at the end of this bulletin. |
BE WARY OF SCAMSDisasters like Hurricane Sandy bring out the best in people – but not in all people. Too often disaster survivors are the targets of scam artists. In the early days following a disaster, con men may pose as inspectors from FEMA or the Small Business Administration. FEMA and SBA staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. As rebuilding gets under way, sham contractors may knock on your door, promising to begin work immediately, only to take your money and disappear. Before hiring a contractor, check with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846 to make sure the contractor is registered. STATE OFFICE OFFERS HELP WITH INSURANCE PROBLEMSInsurance settlements are critical to recovery after a disaster and state officials are on hand to help survivors having problems getting a claim paid. The New Jersey Office of the Insurance Ombudsman assists consumers with issues related to insurance availability and claims processing. You can contact the office by calling 800-446-7467 or by emailing ombudsman@dobi.state.nj.us. HURRICANE SANDY RECOVERY RESOURCESFEMA FEMA disaster assistance registration and helpline: 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585 Apply online for assistance: DisasterAssistance.gov Smartphone/tablet: m.FEMA.gov/Sandy Find the nearest disaster recovery center: FEMA.gov/DRC or text “DRC” and your “zip code” to 43362 Small Business Administration Customer service center: 800-659-2955, TTY 800-877-8339 Disaster assistance website: SBA.gov/DisasterAssistance Online loan application: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ Resources for Additional Needs New Jersey disaster case management: 877-510-6762 or email at dcmNewJersey@CatholicCharitiesUSA.org Cleanup resources and local recovery efforts: 2-1-1 or online at NJ211.org NJ Helps: NJhelps.org American Red Cross: 800-733-2767 or online at RedCross.org New Jersey Hope and Healing: 877-294-HELP (4357), TTY 877-294-4356 Disaster legal services: 888-541-1900 Disaster unemployment: Online at NJuifile.net |
