TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - Police departments all over the Big Bend area are warning residents about reports of scamming calls during the hurricane recovery process.
On Monday, the Florida Department of Financial Services, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Taylor County officials announced that they are working together to investigate reports of scammers claiming to be the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The Taylor County Sheriff's Office received several calls from concerned citizens about a scammer claiming to be a FEMA representative who demanded a $150 deposit in exchange for helping customers file hurricane-related insurance claims.
The Department of Financial Services has reminded citizens that there is no fee to file a FEMA claim and Floridians who encounter this scam should report it by calling the Department’s Consumer Insurance Helpline at 1-(877)-693-5236.
Tallahassee Police Department is also warning their citizens to steer clear of charity scams and water testing and treatment scams which they said are popular during times of disaster.
If you believe someone is fraudulently representing themselves, you can contact your county Emergency Management Office here. You can check Florida contractor licenses here to avoid being scammed.
