NASHVILLE- Scammers dressed in FEMA uniforms are contacting Tennessee storm victims to obtain their private information. FEMA is encouraging people to be suspicion of anyone who claims to be with its agency who shows up announced.

"FEMA has been clear about this – people claiming to be with FEMA who show up unannounced to the homes of residents without their case information are likely fraud artists," says Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. "FEMA recommends you call the police, should that occur."

Before showing up to homes legitimate FEMA representatives set up appointments with flood victims. When they show up, they should already have personal data related to the homeowner – such as Social Security and FEMA-specific disaster applicant ID numbers that the agency will use to track victims' cases.

Whether residents have flood coverage or not, they should contact both their homeowners insurance carrier and FEMA, which can be contacted at 1-800-621-FEMA, or www.fema.gov. Also visit www.disasterassistance.gov. A list of Tennessee counties that participate in the flood program can be found at www.fema.gov/cis/TN.html.

Published May 20, 2011