OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is warning Hurricane Debby victims about the threat of fraud in the aftermath of the storm.

Floridians should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft while you’re dealing with the disaster.

The agency says it has already received reports of people impersonating FEMA representatives.

FEMA says official crews and inspectors carry official photo identification badges.

“Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment,” FEMA said in a news release.

FEMA reminds everyone its personnel will never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. Their services are FREE.

In some cases, FEMA says thieves try to apply for assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from victims of the disaster.

They advise you to not give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are not authorized to collect your personal financial information.

“If a FEMA inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application,” the agency said. “If this happens, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.”

If you did not apply for assistance but receive a letter from FEMA, please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline will submit a request to stop further processing of that application.

FEMA urges survivors who believe they are a victim of scam to report it immediately to local law enforcement or contact Florida’s Office of the Attorney General by calling 866-9-NO-SCAM (866-966-7226).

Who qualifies for FEMA assistance

FEMA says Florida homeowners and renters in 10 counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Debby may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance.

Survivors in Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Manatee, Sarasota, Suwannee and Taylor counties can apply.

Survivors can also go online or call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.