The roof needs attention, the phone keeps ringing, and someone says they can start today—if you pay now. Give the request its own check before letting the urgency of the damage decide it for you. This guide starts after immediate safety needs; the flood-return checklist handles entry and cleanup hazards.
Match the request to an independent contact
| Someone says… | Contact you find yourself | Question to settle |
|---|---|---|
| “I’m here about your FEMA application.” | FEMA’s official site or a previously verified application contact | Is this person assigned to your case, and is this visit or request expected? |
| “We can repair this and handle your insurance.” | State or county licensing office, contractor’s insurer, and your own insurer separately | Is the license current for this work, is insurance confirmed, and what does your policy actually cover? |
| “Your insurer needs these details immediately.” | Number on your policy or insurer’s known website/app | Is this a real claim contact and a legitimate request? |
Do not use the caller’s supplied link or number as the independent check. CFPB advises confirming identities with the organization itself. If service is unavailable, leave the request unresolved until you can verify it or get help from a trusted person. An unanswered check is not approval.
Separate FEMA identity from application information
The FTC warns that badges can be faked. FEMA does not charge for applying for assistance or for inspections, and FEMA inspectors do not ask for banking information. Stop a request to pay a supposed FEMA fee or give an inspector bank details.
That boundary does not mean every legitimate application process uses no personal information. Enter necessary information only through a verified application channel. Do not send it in reply to an unexpected text or visitor.
Before signing a repair agreement
The FTC’s contractor guidance recommends checking license and insurance, comparing written estimates and reading the contract. Use this short review:
- Confirm the business identity and who will perform the work.
- Get the scope, materials, expected dates, total price and payment schedule in writing.
- Resolve blank spaces and promises missing from the written terms.
- Check local licensing, permits and deposit rules with the responsible government office; there is no nationwide deposit percentage to apply here.
- Ask your insurer about coverage directly. Do not sign an insurance check over to a contractor.
Demands for full payment before work or hard-to-recover payment methods—such as gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers—are FTC warning signs. A familiar payment app does not verify a business. Keep copies of estimates, signed terms, invoices and receipts in your private records.
Verification record
Download a blank CSV record, or copy these fields onto paper. Keep passwords, bank numbers and identity numbers out of this record.
| Field | What to record |
|---|---|
| Request | Claimed organization, work or aid offered, and requested action |
| Independent contact | Official page or known contact you located separately |
| Check | Date, organization reached and what it confirmed |
| Unresolved | Missing license, insurance confirmation, written term or identity check |
| Next step | Who will follow up, when, and what must be confirmed before proceeding |
If you already paid or shared information
Contact the bank, card issuer or payment provider promptly through its known channel and ask about stopping or reversing the payment. Save messages and receipts. FTC recovery guidance explains the steps by payment type; getting money back is not guaranteed.
Use the reporting and identity-theft resources linked from that FTC page when relevant. A report does not replace contacting the payment provider. For an unclear contract or local consumer issue, follow the USAGov directory of state consumer-protection offices and get qualified help before making another commitment.
