patching...
Breaking: Bayville Man Stabbed Saturday Night in Seaside Heights Has Been Released; Suspect Still At Large »
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

FEMA Warns Seniors: Be Wary of Scammers

Elderly residents affected by Superstorm Sandy could find themselves victims of unscrupulous contractors and scam artists.

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is advising seniors recovering from Superstorm Sandy to be on the lookout for scam artists claiming to represent FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA) or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

By going door to door to storm-damaged homes or making contact by phone or on the Internet, scam artists may try to obtain personal information such as Social Security and bank account numbers or falsely claim that you need to make a payment to a federal agency.

FEMA is offering residents a number of tips to ensure that they're not victims of a potential scam:

On any follow-up calls, a FEMA representative will only ask for the last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security number.

While a FEMA representative may visit your home in connection with your claim, they will not ask you to make a payment.

If someone comes to your door identifying themselves as a FEMA, SBA or NFIP representative, ask to see their federal identification badge. All authorized FEMA or SBA employees are required to display a laminated photo identification badge at all times.

If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, call the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 800-323-8603 or call the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846.

About this column: News and essential information about Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey. Related Topics: FEMA, Hurricane Sandy, NFIP, SBA, and scam artists

Jean Murray

12:15 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

The only scammer is Mayor Amato feeding boss Gilmore on payroll with Ashbritt clean up. Ashbritt charged doubled compared to other companies. Scammer Amato gave Gilmore township attorney to pay back for his campaign.

Reply
Comment_arrow

Don Lee

2:59 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

You are absolutely correct!

Comment_arrow

charlie

9:33 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

First thing I thought of when I read the title.

Comment_arrow

Martin

7:48 am on Friday, March 15, 2013

Error-riddled flood zone maps, extravagant home-raising heights, exorbitant annual insurance premiums... to bail out FEMA from its Katrina debt on the backs of NJ property owners.

The 2012 Biggert-Waters Act gave FEMA the power to destroy the coasts, the Ohio and Mississippi Valleys, etc. (20% of all Americans). Congress must amend it. Get the facts at Facebook.com/StopFemaNow

Samantha

2:18 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

I'm surprised seniors would even consider rebuilding. From what I've been told by people in their 50's and 60's, they would have to build up 5 and even 7 feet. I enter and exit my home several times thruout the day. If I had to build that high, I would be in bed by 7PM from exhaustion. Fast forward 2-3 years, are you going to be physically able to do that climb ? Think before you leap !

Reply

Pat Fenlon

2:22 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

We are trying to save our shell since we had no flood insurance. We hope to rebuild as it is now as it's long been paid off and owned by my 92 year old Dad. I'm only afraid that Toms River won't give us a CO after we rebuild without elevating. Any comments??

Reply
Comment_arrow

Walking Dead

11:53 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Pat, we replaced the heating system. I had no choice at the time because the constr. dept. was overwhelmed with permits and couldn't locate ours. I was afraid with winter coming the pipes would freeze adding more problems. I know of neighbors who did not file permits as the wait was too long. The town's engineer came to our home looking for structrual damage, didn't find any. He saw the new heat and I told him, no permit was obtained, if you want to find me go right ahead. He said we wouldn't be fined. I don't really give a shit at this point. The financial well is dry.

Comment_arrow

Walking Dead

11:54 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Call the TR tax office. They can answer your questions re: the co.

Samantha

2:48 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

We replaced the hot water heater and a new heating system. I advised the construction dept. in Bayville. They didn't fine us but I don't know about TR.

Reply

ChiefWahoo

3:51 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Which one of those 3 in the picture are you counting on helping you ?

Reply

Pat Fenlon

4:02 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

We are getting absolutely no help. Secondary home so FEMA is out! After seeing Seaside this past weekend for the Parade, my fear is that Ortley will be 100% forgotten as no revenue comes from Ortley. Nothing has been done in Ortley, still no power, water, streets blocked off. NOTHING!!

Reply
Comment_arrow

shorefriend

10:40 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Pat I live in Ortley that's not really true, the ocean blocks are still devasted but that is the only section without utilities. I am 1 of the 67 residents that are currentyl living there. There is still a long way to go but don't discount the progress. FEMA will not help 2nd homowners, think about it do you want your tax dollars bailing out vacation homes?

One Term Amato

4:53 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Mayor Amato failed the test as leader by selling out. The Mayor appointed boss Gilmore to township attorney, and hired Ashbritt who has Gimore on payroll. Ashbritt overcharged our town by double comapred to others. The Mayor raised taxes before the storm, and will now raise them again with storm as an excuse. Mayor Amato worked for Gilmore for years in the board of elections, and the influence peddling should be investigated.

Reply
Comment_arrow

foggyworld

1:21 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013

What about Christie's 2% cap on property taxes per year?

1stcav

5:29 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Be warey of low ball fiqures by FEMA officials ( on Ins Claims ) that were from LA , where they were used to dealing with SHACKS not Homes and beach front properties worth millions..It's like 10 cents on the dollar value..if that in most cases..unreal monies being offered to people, that paid for YEARS and never had a pay out.Now they want a fair deal and theirs NONE for them...what a rip off, yet will send millions to Egypt....and they will someday kill us all for a thank you !!!! WE need more than a new POPE Here for sure !!!!!!

Reply

Floodgate

9:25 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

At this point ,I think FEMA puts this stuff out there just to piss people off

Reply

proud

9:26 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Is the headline correct? Shouldn't it read:

Scammers warn Seniors: Beware of FEMA

Reply

re-tired

12:27 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

fema used politically connected firm " dewberry " to make these maps .I think they used the apple gps maps to make them . Obama`s fault ! join - stopfemanow.com

Reply

Hank Kerchef

5:09 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

The only thing Fema has taught me is , Be Dishonest !

Reply

educatedsmallbizowner

8:29 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Fema issues warning against scammers and the New Jersey Department Of Consumer Affairs allows unregistered, unlicensed, untaxed contractors do work without even being fined . WHY? because they hire illegals to do work at there homes as slaves . Better start paying attention to were the lawyers live and have there second homes and how they maximize there Fema payouts. Is Fema perfect NO but look at all the politicians that influence them!

Reply

Gsieri Builders

9:47 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Please pay attention do your homework. There are so many people getting taken advantage of make sure to check backgrounds on businesses and individuals.

Reply
Comment_arrow

Walking Dead

10:52 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

G.Builders~~~~~are you licensed to raise a home ? Ranch, 1200 sq.ft and we're on a slab so I'm not sure how that works...

Comment_arrow

Walking Dead

10:55 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

G. Builders, and what is the cost of raising a home. Please include hidden fees and costs.

Pat Fenlon

10:52 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

I understand FEMA can't help with secondary homes. My only major concern now is that if we repair without elevating the house (we are on Ocean block), will we get the CO? We know we won't be able to have flood insurance, and without that, the house won't be sellable BUT the concern is to get in now, not sell (at this time).

Reply

Theresa Krakauskas

10:54 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

While I totally agree with those who say FEMA are the biggest scammers of all, FYI, you don't have to give them any numbers of your social. I had a follow-up call from FEMA from a representative who had not dealt with me before & I did not know. I told him I wasn't comfortable giving out that info & he said that was fine & I answered a less intrusive question.

Reply

Walking Dead

11:10 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Pat, I read in the paper last week that towns are giving residents 4 years to elevate their home, after that, they start fining. BS........Also, you can sell your home if you have a cash buyer. My neighbors did.
Theresa, I spoke with FEMA and no one asked for my social. I don't give that to anybody....I don't care who you are.

Reply
Comment_arrow

Pat Fenlon

11:28 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Walking Dead: We applied for the $30K grant to elevate our home but not hopeful at all. Hearing lots of different costs to do so. It's a 800 sf house on a crawl space but it's 65 years old. A contractor told me that with it's age and since it had about 4' of salt water in it, it could crumble when raised. Hopefully when the shell is rebuilt, it would withstand elevating it.

Comment_arrow

Gsieri Builders

1:18 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Click on our company name for contact info. You can reach us via facebook or our website. I'll be glad to answer any questions you may have thanks.

Walking Dead

11:45 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Pat, I'm tired and too old for this BS. Life is suppose to get easier as you get older. We lost everything, like everyone else. Now we have to start over as everyone and I don't know if I can. I wish you well Pat.

Reply
Comment_arrow

Pat Fenlon

11:52 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Sorry to droan on. Didn't mean to. I wish you and everyone (especially in Ortley) well also and hope to see our beautiful Jersey Shore back and even better!

wookfish

12:12 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013

WD, never give up and never give in..soon the whole country will be in the fight of its life..stay strong for those you love

Reply

Samantha

12:32 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013

WD, Pat & Wookfish, I feel like putting a gun to my head. I won't because of my family but I feel like it. I cry all the time, not that it does any good. I too, am tired, stressed to the max,frustrated and out of patience. I know take meds for high blood pressure, a sleeping aid and started taking valium. I have no control of anything. The adjusters were at our home 1 month after sandy. We rec'd. a partial payment a week later. I call and call and call the ins. co and hear bs excuses. I would have more respect if they told me the truth instead of lying. If I could change things, I would never had paid for homeowners, contents or flood; this way FEMA would foot the bills like they did with other residents. Will this ever nightmare ever end ?

Reply
Comment_arrow

Pat Fenlon

12:43 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013

None of this is worth your health. People lost family members. We only lost property. We can be thankful for that. We will either get back or sell! That's about our options. We had homeowners and contents but only $3,400 was covered as we had no flood. House is 100% gutted. No walls, electric, appliances, kitchen, bath, windows, doors, furniture, Ceiling, fireplace and roof is about all that survived. $3,400!! Its' BS but don't let it take your health now too!!

Walking Dead

1:17 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Sam, we're all experiencing different emotions. It's hard for us all. I can't sleep or eat. But we ALL will get thru this. Pat is right. You cannot let this affect your health.
You have to be strong, both mentally and physically..

Reply

foggyworld

2:06 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Walking Dead, what do you say about the three neighbors I had who have mentally lost it? Everyone isn't as strong as you seem to believe and the horrible aftershock of Sandy and the inhumane and inconsiderate behavior shown to these and other folks is causing the stress induced mental illness problems. And no, they don't want to go to FEMA of all places to get counseling.

There is a serious problem that isn't being discussed nor have any attempts been made to ease the pain. Every day it's something new and disastrous and yes, many people will remain the wounded warriors because of the indifference shown by those on high.

Reply
Comment_arrow

Walking Dead

2:57 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Maybe if you had read my previous remarks foggy, you would not have been so quick to judge.

Walking Dead

2:51 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Foggy, as I read Sam's comment, I could feel her pain. I'm a sandy victim too. I was trying to give her words of encouragement, not mock her. Why would you think that ?I am NOT a strong person as I'm still struggling with the after effects from sandy. I never mentioned anyone who mentally lost it to seek counseling. I agree with you on many issues but you are out of line here.

Reply

Pat Fenlon

5:16 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013

We are all in the same boat. Destroyed houses, no insurance money and no help from Fema (or government). We are all venting our frustrations. Let's take a deep breath. Talking about it and knowing that we are not alone in this horrible situation may help some, let's hope so.

Reply

Henderson silva

1:36 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Hi there, I am an Army National guard soldier and was there helping with the recovery team. I also have a painting business, registered and insured, a real company not a scammer. I would like to have the opportunity to have your bussiness if you need paint or wood work in your home. Thanks
P&H restoration
Henderson
Phone:973-803-3542
Henderson821@hotmail.com

Reply
Comment_arrow

Cartman

9:50 pm on Friday, March 22, 2013

Ummmmm, this site is not for advertising a business.

Leave a comment

 

The Brick Patch
Valentine's Shopping Guide

See the full guide!

Patch Picks