People in heightened emotional states in the wake of a catastrophic event should be extra careful of impersonators asking for identifying details, according to Karina Layugan, an attorney with the Federal Trade Commission based in Los Angeles,

While disasters can lead scammers to take advantage of vulnerable groups by impersonating representatives from relief and government agencies, or with contracting scams, other types of fraud and impersonation can also surround these events. If you’re already feeling vulnerable, you may be more likely to fall for other types of fraud, such as:

Individuals in rural areas may be at an increased risk for some scams. Individuals in rural areas may be more reliant on online services and, so, more vulnerable to online scams. In rural areas, fewer resources, including both law enforcement and social support, may be available.

Layugan stresses that FEMA will never charge fees for applications ... and 1.9 million reported other types of scams to the FTC. Here are some ways to protect yourself from identity theft and ...

The Serious Needs Assistance Program is one of a number of FEMA programs currently in place to offer Californians relief as coordinated wildfire response efforts continue. Those impacted by the ...

The Serious Needs Assistance Program is one of a number of FEMA programs currently in place to offer Californians relief as coordinated wildfire response efforts continue. Those impacted by the ...

However, victims have to be careful when using crowdsourcing to raise money because it could affect the money they can get from FEMA. More than 12,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged in ...

Washington — FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell said Sunday that L.A. officials were "very prepared" for devastating wildfires, noting that the area is prone to fires. But "they have never seen ...

The deadline, initially Friday, now sits on Jan. 14. FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell says those who receive the notification who are still in need of housing are still eligible, but they need ...

Thousands of wildfire victims have turned to GoFundMe and other crowdfunding sites to raise money to support themselves or loved ones impacted by the fires. However, those donations could limit monetary assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA is extending its Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program to Jan. 25 for residents of North Carolina, according to a Monday announcement. The program, which was set to expire on ...

Natural disasters can give you little time to act, making it essential to have your most important documents collected in one place.