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FEMA Inspector Scams During Disaster Relief: Verification Guide

Updated: January 2026

DisasterAssistance.

gov and FEMA ARE legitimate, but sophisticated scammers impersonate inspectors with unsolicited calls/texts after disasters. Real FEMA may contact approved applicants for inspections. Verified by Reddit Pasadena community: some calls were legitimate, others were scams using Google Voice numbers. Red flag: calls before portal shows inspection scheduled. Always verify directly with FEMA (1-800-621-3362) before trusting unknown callers about inspections.

Key Findings

What It Is

FEMA disaster relief IS real and legitimate

Main Risk

Unsolicited call/text without portal notification first

Best Action

If contacted about inspection: verify through FEMA portal first

The Pattern

→FEMA disaster relief IS real and legitimate
→Official FEMA approval appears in personal portal
→FEMA may schedule property inspections for approved applications
→Scammers call claiming to be FEMA inspectors
→Unsolicited calls with vague information
→Google Voice numbers used instead of official lines
→Pressure to provide personal information
→Calls mentioning legitimate disaster (Eaton fire, Hurricane Helene, etc.)

Red Flags

Warning: Unsolicited call/text without portal notification first
Warning: Google Voice number instead of official FEMA line
Warning: Caller claims inspection but portal shows nothing scheduled
Warning: Request for payment or fees (FEMA never charges)
Warning: Pressure to provide SSN, banking, or personal ID upfront
Warning: Cannot provide valid FEMA inspector ID number
Warning: Refuses to allow verification through official channels
Warning: Threatens consequences for non-compliance
Warning: Email from fraud-registered account (fraudulent application)
Warning: Inconsistencies with information in FEMA portal

What To Do

1If contacted about inspection: verify through FEMA portal first
2Call official FEMA helpline: 1-800-621-3362 BEFORE responding
3Ask caller for FEMA ID number and request written confirmation
4Demand to see inspector badge and photo ID in person
5Check portal before any property inspection
6Verify inspector against official list through helpline
7Keep detailed notes of all contact (dates, times, names, numbers)
8Screenshot FEMA portal status for proof
9Require scheduling through official portal only
10Report scam attempts to FEMA and local law enforcement

What NOT To Do

✕Don't trust unsolicited calls claiming to be FEMA
✕Don't provide SSN or banking info over phone
✕Don't open your home to unverified inspectors
✕Don't believe caller just because they know your address
✕Don't assume Google Voice = legitimate (scammers use it)
✕Don't bypass verification because you need help
✕Don't send money or documents before verification
✕Don't ignore inconsistencies with portal information

Copy-Paste Script

Received call/text about FEMA inspection. Before responding, called official FEMA line (1-800-621-3362) to verify. Official FEMA confirmed/denied scheduled inspection.

FAQ

Will FEMA ever call me after I apply?

Possibly, but only AFTER your application is approved AND inspection is scheduled in your portal. FEMA will use official numbers, provide inspector ID, and match portal information. Always verify through the official helpline (1-800-621-3362) before engaging with any caller.

How do I know if a FEMA inspector is real?

Real inspectors: (1) Have verified FEMA ID you can check, (2) Show official badge, (3) Inspection is in your portal, (4) Information matches your application. Fake inspectors: (1) Use Google Voice numbers, (2) Call before portal notification, (3) Can't provide ID, (4) Threaten or pressure you.

What if I get a call from someone claiming FEMA contacted me fraudulently?

This happened during recent disasters—scammers filed fraudulent FEMA applications using victims' info. If you discover fraudulent application: (1) Contact FEMA immediately, (2) File identity theft report, (3) Monitor credit, (4) Place fraud alert.

Can I trust my phone number being in FEMA system?

Your number is in FEMA system if you applied. But scammers can find this public info and call impersonating FEMA. This is why verification through the official helpline is critical—it's the ONLY reliable way to confirm legitimacy.

What should I do if an inspector shows up at my door?

Before letting anyone in: (1) Check FEMA portal for scheduled inspection, (2) Ask for ID badge and photo ID, (3) Call FEMA helpline to verify this specific person is assigned to you, (4) Never let anyone in without verification, (5) Have family member present, (6) Take photos of ID.

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