The Federal Emergency Management Agency is warning Mainers to watch out for potential scammers who may try to take advantage of victims of storm damage in the state.

“When natural disasters occur, it’s common to find people who want to take advantage of survivors by posing as official disaster aid workers or as relatives trying to help survivors complete their applications,” FEMA officials said in a statement.

Mainers statewide are still reeling from damage caused by storms in December 2023, January of 2024 and earlier in April. FEMA warned that scam artists may call or come to the door claiming to be legitimate contractors endorsed by FEMA, or federal employees.

Such scam artists, FEMA warned, are trying to take financial advantage of storm victims, and may be looking to commit identity theft.

FEMA does not endorse any specific business, product or service. If someone says they are backed by FEMA, it’s likely not true, officials said.

Residents who have registered for assistance from FEMA have a nine-digit registration number. A proper FEMA employee will have that number on file and will never ask for it. Beware anyone who claims to need the number, FEMA warned.

Also, any FEMA housing inspector coming to the door will have a proper identification badge and must show it when asked.

FEMA further warned residents not to give out financial information or other personal information such as a Social Security number. Proper FEMA staff do not ask for money or personal information of any kind.

Finally, FEMA cautioned residents to take precautions even when dealing with proper local contractors. Such workers should be licensed, should not ask for more than half the estimated cost of repairs in advance, and should not object to putting job details in writing.

FEMA urged any residents who suspect fraud to call its disaster fraud hotline at 1-866-720-5721. To report identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov.