YANCEY COUNTY, NC (FOX Carolina) – The Yancey County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about scammers posing as FEMA employees.

According to the sheriff’s office, impersonators are trying to steal personal information or money from vulnerable residents. FEMA will never request payment to conduct an investigation or money to help apply for disaster assistance. It also does not charge a fee to expedite requests.

Legitimate FEMA representatives will have and display a government-issued photo ID at all times, officials said.

If anyone is unsure if someone is a FEMA representative, contact the organization directly at 800-621-3362 or visit the nearest FEMA Disaster Recovery Center.

“Our community has already suffered so much from Hurricane Helene. The last thing we want is for everyone to suffer further at the hands of scammers. Be careful, be informed and remember; We are here to protect you,” Sheriff Shane Hilliard said in a statement.

If any suspicious activity is encountered, contact the sheriff’s office at 828-682-2124.

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