TEMA describes safeguards against fraud in Helene relief efforts

As Tennessee communities continue to recover from Helene, state emergency officials are urging residents to be cautious of scams and fraudulent attempts to get disaster aid."During any disaster, there are bad actors that try to obtain information from survivors," stated Kristen Coulter, communications director for the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. "This often looks like individuals pretending to represent FEMA. We addressed this early and often by reminding the public that FEMA personnel will have an official badge and will never charge for disaster assistance, inspections, or help filling out applications."TEMA said the state typically does not verify individual needs directly."We collaborate with local communities, leaders and organizations to support their identified needs and processes," Coulter said.Following Helene, the state provided aid through the Governor's Response and Recovery Fund, which offered grants to businesses, farmers, forest landowners and local government agencies to address damage caused by the storm."This fund was the first of its kind in Tennessee," she said.To prevent misinformation, TEMA used social media posts, news releases, flash reports and news conferences."We also amplified information from partners on how to detect scams following a disaster," Coulter stated.The agency works closely with Tennessee VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) and local nonprofits to deliver relief."Members of Tennessee VOAD are embedded in the State Emergency Operations Center when an event occurs," Coulter stated. "They receive information in real time and can coordinate requests for volunteer management, home repair, feeding, and sheltering. These partnerships allow us to share resources and leverage local expertise to address community needs."Shortly after Helene hit East Tennessee, the Tennessee Attorney General's Office issued a warning urging residents to report scammers and price gougers."While most Tennesseans are showing the best of the Volunteer spirit to our neighbors devastated by Helene, a few bad actors always slime out of the woodwork to take advantage of those in need," Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti stated in an Oct. 1, 2024, release."Price gouging and scamming vulnerable people after disasters is not only repulsive, it's illegal. My office will not hesitate to enforce Tennessee's consumer protection laws..."The AG's Division of Consumer Affairs offered guidance to avoid scams, including verifying contractor licensing, avoiding upfront payment for home repairs, and researching charities before donating.Complaints about scams or price gouging can be submitted to the Division of Consumer Affairs online or by phone at (615) 741-4737.