In the aftermath of the deadly Maui wildfires, some social media users are discouraging residents from accepting disaster aid by falsely claiming the Federal Emergency Management Agency could seize their property if they do.

  • MicroWave@lemmy.worldOP
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    1 year ago

    CLAIM: FEMA can seize the private property of any Maui resident that signs up for disaster assistance.

    THE FACTS: The federal agency says the claims are “absolutely false” and encourages Hawaiians to visit a website it launched recently to address rumors and frequently asked questions in the aftermath of the fires, which have claimed more than 100 lives.

    Here’s the website: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4724/rumor-response

    • Mewtwo@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      1 year ago

      A co-worker was saying something about the government taking people’s land using imminent domain.

      They are right leaning, which makes sense with the fema camps nonsense.

      • Fisk400
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        1 year ago

        Eminent domain is a real thing and it something the government can just do without having to trick anyone to sign anything.

    • MutilationWave@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      I’m just guessing here but I think the people spreading them either want to make people distrust the federal government or specifically to damage the reputation of the Biden administration by later claiming not enough aid was provided.

      Maybe it’s people who just think it’s funny to hurt people. In any case it’s total scumbags that are willingly spreading misinformation that will directly harm the people.