In the aftermath of nearly every disaster, survivors should be alert for con artists and opportunists trying to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud, scams or identity theft, according to FEMA.

In some cases, thieves have tried to register with FEMA using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from other people.

The most common post-disaster fraud practices include phony housing inspectors, fraudulent building contractors, bogus pleas for disaster donations and fake offers of state or federal aid.

No individual from a state or federal disaster assistance agency will call or text asking for financial account information. Survivors also should keep in mind that federal and state workers never ask for or accept money and always carry identification badges.

Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail or email, text or in person. Scam artists may pose as government officials, aid workers, charitable organizations, or insurance company employees.

According to FEMA, disasters survivors should never respond to texts, phone calls or requests seeking their personal information. The only time they should provide personal information is during the initial application process for FEMA help or during contact with FEMA to follow up on an application.

Anyone who would like to report fraud, call the toll-free FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or contact the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit at (405) 521-2029 or [email protected].

Victims of fraud or scams can also contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s (OID) Anti-Fraud Unit at 800-522-0071 or [email protected].