Officials investigate FEMA claim homeowner says was fraudulently filed in her name

PALM BAY, Fla. — A Palm Bay homeowner said someone filed a fraudulent Federal Emergency Management Agency claim on her house, claiming to be the owner in an attempt to get benefit payments.

James Singer and Heather Frontera have been trying to follow the fraud trail since a FEMA inspector showed up at their home and placed a notice on the front door, setting off red flags.

“I didn’t file any claims and I didn’t have any significant hurricane damage,” said Frontera.

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Frontera has owned the house since 1997 but a “Robert Goff” said otherwise via an application.

“The person who filed the application in her name claimed to be the property owner and that Heather and I were merely renters,” said Singer.

“I don’t know a Robert Goff and I’ve never rented to any individual,” said Frontera.

The scariest part, Frontera said, was when FEMA gave her a call and let her know whomever filed the application had her birth date and Social Security number.

“And it’s scary what he could be doing. Could he be applying for loans? Could he be applying for credit cards?” said Frontera.

FEMA said it works to ensure taxpayer dollars only go to people with legitimate losses and agents use a number of methods to detect fraud.

Officials said Frontera’s case is currently under investigation.

Cox Media Group