In the Wake of Flooding, Ohioans Reminded to Beware of Potential Fraud Artists

In the aftermath of a disaster, victims are in a vulnerable condition. Their lives have been turned upside down, and they need help. This reportedly creates an ideal situation for con artists to take advantage of people.

Federal and state disaster recovery officials in Ohio are cautioning disaster victims to be on the look out for anyone using the disaster as an opportunity to defraud.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) uses professional home inspectors, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) uses professional loss verifiers to evaluate the damages and losses to your property. These legitimate inspectors and loss verifiers will always make an appointment to meet with an applicant at the damaged property, will always carry official federal identification and will never ask for payment for their work.

“A common scam is posing as a FEMA or SBA representative,” said Lee Champagne, FEMA coordinating officer. “If anyone comes to your door saying they are with a government agency or utility, insist on seeing their identification. And, if someone posing as a federal employee or federal contractor attempts to collect money for ‘assistance’ given, report that person and his or her vehicle number to the local police department,” added Champagne.

“Victims of recent storms and flooding should be extremely cautious. Don’t let the sense of urgency to repair your home lead you to make a decision you may regret,” said Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro. According to Petro, before hiring contractors, be sure to check their references, clear them through one’s local Better Business Bureau or the Ohio Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section online at www.ag.state.oh.us or by calling toll-free at 1-800-282-0515.