SCAM ALERT! FEMA COVID-19 funeral expense reimbursement program agents

The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning against scammers who are taking advantage of a new program under the American Rescue Plan. The FEMA-run program reimburses up to $9,000 in funeral expenses for people who’ve died from COVID-19. Scammers are posing as FEMA agents, asking for money up front to process their application.

“And what they are trying to do is gather personal information from you or that person to steal your identity,” said BBB Spokesman Bryan Oglesby told WTSP.

The BBB says FEMA would never initiate contact by phone, much less ask for cash upfront or personal information that could lead to ID theft.

They suggest if you ever have questions or suspicions about the legitimacy of someone reaching out to you, hang up and call that agency back at the number listed on their official website. That way, you’re the one initiating the phone call.

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Author:Eric Glasser

Published:3:44 PM EDT June 7, 2021

Updated:6:23 PM EDT June 7, 2021

Just when you think criminals can’t sink any lower, the Better Business Bureau is warning about a scam targeting people who have lost loved ones to COVID-19.

The BBB says fraudsters are taking advantage of a newer program under the American Rescue Plan. It’s a FEMA-run program that reimburses up to $9,000 in funeral expenses for people who’ve died from COVID-19.

“And what they are trying to do is gather personal information from you or that person to steal your identity,” said BBB Spokesman Bryan Oglesby.

The BBB says FEMA would never initiate contact by phone, much less ask for cash upfront or personal information that could lead to ID theft.


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