Conrad Warns Flood Victims to Be Wary of Assistance Scams

Washington - Senator Kent Conrad today urged North Dakota residents from flood impacted areas to exercise vigilance when responding to requests for personal information from individuals claiming to represent federal and state agencies. This warning comes after Individual Assistance was approved for affected individuals in Ward and Burleigh County late last week.

"There is an element of society that views every tragedy as an opportunity to profit from others'misfortune. It's unfortunate, but true," Senator Conrad said. "While officials will make every effort to expose these frauds, it is important for each of us to be mindful of the threat that exists and to safeguard our personal information."

Senator Conrad noted that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently scheduling meetings with displaced homeowners from Minot in public locations, like restaurants. He cautioned that before divulging any personal information, individuals should ask to see an official FEMA identification and an official "welcome letter" from the agency representative.

Senator Conrad, along with Senator John Hoeven, Congressman Rick Berg, Governor Jack Dalrymple and Minot Mayor Curt Zimbleman, pressed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano for approval of Individual Assistance late last week. President Obama approved the request late Friday less than an hour after Senator Conrad made the case directly to White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley.

An Individual Assistance designation will mean that those who are approved through the application process may be eligible for financial assistance through FEMA. The Individual Assistance program includes a wide range of aid, including emergency home repair, temporary disaster housing, replacement grants for serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or assistance programs.

The delegation was in Minot last week assisting with flood emergency efforts and meeting with community leaders to ensure they are getting all the federal support they need.