Be aware of scams and identity theft

A scam has been reported in which a person may receive a text message notifying them their $2,800 in federal disaster assistance is available. The text will instruct the resident to visit a link and provide personal information for FEMA to verify. Again, this is a scam.

If you have applied for disaster assistance, FEMA will establish contact to notify you of its decision. FEMA may also contact you if additional information is needed to process your application. This notification may come in the form of a letter or phone call.

Criminals may try to apply for FEMA assistance using your information if you have been the victim of identity theft. If a FEMA inspector visits your residence, but you have not submitted a FEMA application, your identity may have been compromised. Inform the inspector you did not apply for FEMA assistance. Additionally, if you received a letter from FEMA but did not apply, call 800-621-3362 for assistance. 

Report any suspicion of identity theft to your local law enforcement agency and the Office of the Attorney General at 866-966-7226.

SBA offers loans with no interest and no payment for the first year 

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will waive the interest rate and automatically extend the initial payment deferment period for 12 months for all loans approved in response to a disaster declared on or after Sept. 21 through Sept. 30, 2023.

For borrowers who have already received their loan for a disaster declared after Sept. 21, their loan’s effective date would also receive an automatic extension of their first payment due date and zero percent interest for the first year. Borrowers will receive notification from SBA regarding their loan modification. There is no need to submit a request to receive this benefit.

SBA loans are available to impacted residents in addition to businesses. A loan application may be found at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/, by calling 800-659-2955, by emailing [email protected] or by visiting the Disaster Recovery Center at the Florida Department of Health-Volusia, 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach.

Home hurricane inspections offered at no cost

Homeowners of any site-built, single-family residential property in Florida may apply for a free hurricane inspection through the My Safe Florida Home Program. Once the inspection has been completed, the homeowner will receive a report and recommendations to improve their property. Eligible applicants may then apply for grant funds to strengthen improvements.

For more information regarding eligible activities and to register, visit mysafeflhome.com.