FEMA: Several identity theft cases involving Tennessee tornado victims under investigation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Several cases of identity theft involving survivors of the deadly tornado outbreak in Middle Tennessee are under investigation.

According to FEMA, disaster survivors who tried to register with FEMA discovered someone had already used their name to register.

"After a disaster, fraud can be a problem. Scammers may contact survivors who have not registered with FEMA and try to extract money or information," FEMA said. "When this happens, it is likely the survivor’s personal data has been compromised."

If you suspect your personal information has been compromised, call FEMA at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).

• FEMA provided the following tips to tornado survivors:
• If you want to verify any correspondence from FEMA or SBA, visit a Disaster Recovery Center as soon as possible to verify the letter’s authenticity. For center locations and hours, follow this link.
• FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) never charge for registration, home inspections, grants, disaster-loan applications or anything else.
• In person, ask to see a photo ID from a government agency.
• If you suspect fraud, call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or report it your local police department.
• FEMA also recommends you monitor your credit report for any accounts or changes you do not recognize. If you discover someone is using your information, you will need to take additional steps, including filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission through its website: IdentityTheft.gov.

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