Storm Victims: Beware Fradulent Inspectors

Cranford homeowners, renters and business owners who have registered for disaster assistance through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) should beware of fraudulent individuals attempting to charge for an inspection.

Inspectors contracted by the FEMA are contacting New Jersey residents applying for disaster assistance following the storms and flooding of mid-March. The FEMA inspection is free. These inspectors have approved FEMA identification badges that include the inspector's name and photo, and the name of the company under contract with FEMA.

They will ask for information to verify your name and address and registration with FEMA. They will not ask for a Social Security number nor ask to be paid for the inspection.  The inspection generally takes 30-40 minutes, during which the inspector will assess disaster-related damage for both real and personal property and may take photos of the interior and exterior of the damaged dwelling.  The inspector will then enter damage related information into a handheld computer and send that data electronically to FEMA.

The inspector does not determine whether a registrant is eligible for assistance, or the amount of a FEMA grant the individual may receive.

"Unfortunately, there are individuals ready to take advantage of residents during these trying times," said Union County Freeholder Chairman Daniel P. Sullivan. "Before you allow anyone into your home or onto your property make certain the inspector shows you his or her identification."

Union County residents who suffered damage to their home or were otherwise affected by the mid-March storm and flooding may be eligible for assistance. To register for assistance, residents should call FEMA's toll-free number, 1-800-621-3362 or TTY/TDD 1-800-462-7585 for speech and hearing impaired. Residents may also register online anytime at www.disasterassistance.gov.