With thousands of people in Texas now affected by weather-related damages, it's important to keep in mind that criminals will prey on victims, and here are some tools to protect yourself, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):
Con artists will sometimes gather names and addresses of people affected by disasters and apply for FEMA benefits using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they've stolen from disaster survivors.
Federal inspectors don't go door-to-door gathering information about people and then asking for money.
They do not ask people for money to get an application started.
They do not ask for money for inspecting a home or business..
They do not charge money for help in filling out federal applications.
And all FEMA employees carry identification badges with photo IDs and will be happy to identify themselves with proof.
FEMA warns that if you're contacted by someone -- or if someone comes to your home -- and you have not filled out all the paperwork as application for help, your information may be used without your knowledge.
FEMA agents will never ask you for your banking or financial information.
And the agency warns: "Don't believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment. That person does not represent FEMA."
And if you haven't applied for help but you get a letter from FEMA or if you receive suspicious communications from anyone claiming to be a FEMA representative, you're urged to email the details to StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov, which is run by the anti-fraud division of the agency.
There is also a FEMA help line at 800-621-3362.