Assistance to Firefighters grantees in the Marianas and nationwide should be on the alert

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has issued a security warning to all Assistance to Firefighters Grant program applicants and grantees. Some grantees have reported being contacted by individuals claiming to represent credit agencies or grant-making institutions. These bogus phone calls, e-mails, or letters, requesting social security numbers, financial account information, or fees should be disregarded. FEMA stressed that they will never request identifying information about you or your organization by telephone, e-mail, or letter. FEMA maintains a secure e-Grant Application website where all such confidential information is submitted. Grant applicants or grantees are also warned that they are not required to pay any fee to register or update information in the Central Contractor Registry. If you have questions, contact your Regional Fire Program Specialist Mr. Doug Woods at douglas.woods@dhs.gov, or contact the AFG Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960 or at firegrants@dhs.gov. You may also contact your congressional office at kilili@mail.house.gov, 323-2647 at the Saipan office, 532-2647 at the Rota office, or 433-2647 at the Tinian office.