07:29 AM CST on Wednesday, November 2, 2005

From Galveston Daily News Staff Reports

State and federal officials warn disaster victims in Galveston County to be on the alert for criminals seeking to “borrow” official agency names to legitimize questionable activities.

“It’s inevitable during times like this that fast-buck operators can hoodwink the public,” said Sandy Coachman, federal coordinating officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s recovery operations in Texas. “But these crooks should remember that we will turn over every report of fraud to law enforcement for investigation and prosecution.”

Frank Cantu, deputy state coordinating officer for the governor’s Division of Emergency Management, agreed.

“We have zero tolerance for these cheats,” he said. “The state of Texas will not let its citizens be victims of criminal intent.”

Unless your application requires electronic deposit, no legitimate governmental inspector, telephone operator or other staff member will ever ask for bank account information, officials said. You will be asked for your registration number when you seek updates on your application. FEMA does not endorse individual loan companies or contractors, so be wary of any business claiming governmental support. Never sign a blank contract, and be suspicious of anyone offering to increase the amount of your disaster assessment.

Col. Steve Haustein, district engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, also reminded county residents that the blue roofs installed by corps-approved contractors were free to recipients.

Report all fraud activity to local law enforcement, the attorney general’s office of consumer protection at 1-800-337-3928 or FEMA’s Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-800-323-8603. The only way to apply for disaster assistance through FEMA is by calling 1-800- 621-FEMA or using the form at www.fema.gov.