In recent days, a number of participants in Sandy recovery programs have reported that they were visited at their homes by people who claimed to be part of the program and who requested access to their homes. Other program participants reported receiving visits to their homes, telephone calls and emails from people who claimed to be part of the program and who asked for money transfers or personal financial data. There are a number of simple precautions you can take to stop these Sandy scams and avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

• There are no fees to enroll or participate in any Sandy recovery program administered by the State of New Jersey. Therefore, never give money to anyone in person at your home or over the phone or by electronic transfer regarding your participation in a Sandy recovery program. Any questions, contact your Housing Recovery Center or your Housing Advisor.

• Anyone visiting your home to conduct an inspection will have proper company photo ID. Therefore, demand the person visiting your home show his or her photo ID.

• If you have any doubts or questions about the legitimacy of anyone who comes to your home claiming to be part of the Sandy Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation, Mitigation (RREM) Program, you can call the following Sandy hotlines:

o If your program manager is CBI-Shaw, call 1-855-287-7736 to identify who is scheduled to inspect your home.

o If your program manager is Gilbane, call 1-609-671-4300 to identify who is scheduled to inspect your home.

If you do not know who your program manager is, please contact your Housing Recovery Center or your Housing Advisor.

If you have not yet been assigned a housing advisor or a program manager, or if you have any questions, please contact the Sandy call center at 1-855-SandyHM (1-855-726-3946).

To report suspected fraud in any Sandy recovery program administered by the State of New Jersey, call the Sandy Fraud Hotline at 1-855-Sandy39 (1-855-726-3939).