Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents About FEMA Scam Calls

The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam reported today involving callers impersonating FEMA.

According to authorities, the scam caller told a resident that FEMA needed access to their property to reach someone else’s property. The caller already had much of the resident’s personal information and then requested their Social Security number.

Officials say this is a major red flag. FEMA will never ask for a full Social Security number over the phone.

To make the scam seem legitimate, the call appeared to come from a FEMA phone number. Authorities remind residents that phone numbers can be spoofed to look official.

Residents are urged to hang up immediately if they receive suspicious calls requesting personal or financial information. They should contact FEMA or local authorities directly using verified numbers.

The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office asks residents to share this warning with family, friends, and neighbors, especially those who may be more vulnerable to scams.