GALVESTON — Just two weeks after a hurricane ravaged the island, some residents have reported that contractors and scam artists posing as federal employees defrauded them.

Brandon Wade, assistant city manager, described the “despicable” trend of contractors posing as personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and demanding money up-front to put tarps on damaged roofs.

The scam artists are asking for payment for work the federal government is providing for free, Wade said.

In what the federal government calls the “Blue Roof Program,” crews from the two federal agencies are making minor roof repairs for free, but residents must first request the work.

Contractors visiting or phoning the homes of residents who did not first apply for the Blue Roof Program are frauds, Wade said.

Anyone from FEMA or the Corps of Engineers must carry with them federal identification. Wade urged residents to request to see that identification before work begins.

To avoid fraudulent contractors, Wade suggested:

•Refuse to pay up front for work the contractor has not started.

•Set up a schedule to pay for work in phases.

•Ask for and check references.

•Don’t to let a contractor pressure you into signing documents.

Wade said Sunday he did not know how many reports of fraud the city has received.

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Blue Roof Program basics

•Roof must have less than 50 percent damage to qualify and must be considered habitable once repairs have been made;

•Structures with flat roofs, and tile roofs of clay, slate or asbestos don’t qualify;

•Mobile homes and roofs consisting of metal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis;

•Property owners must have photo identification and proof of residency at the damaged location; and

•Property owners must also sign a right of entry form.

For more information, call 800-766-3258 or visit city hall, 823 Rosenberg.