Latest news with #stormscams
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Missouri AG to open disaster assistance center in St. Louis to combat storm scams
ST. LOUIS – Starting next week, the Missouri Attorney General's Office is setting up a satellite office at Chaifetz Arena to help people avoid storm-related scams. The disaster assistance center will be open on select dates in June, beginning Monday. Investigators from the attorney general's office will help provide guidance on selecting reputable contractors, avoiding price gouging and protecting personal information from identity theft. The disaster assistance center will be open at the Chaifetz Center, located at 1 South Compton Avenue, on the following dates and times: June 9th-11th (9 a.m.- 8 p.m.) June 16th-18th (9 a.m.-8 p.m.) June 23rd-26th (9 a.m.-8 p.m.) 'My office will always protect storm victims from scammers looking to take advantage of Missourians in crisis,' said Attorney General Andrew Bailey via a news release. 'We are on the ground to ensure families get the help they need and ensure bad actors are held accountable.' Consumers who may have fallen victim to a scam or wish to report a fraudulent business are encouraged to speak with one of the investigators on site, file a complaint online on the Missouri Attorney General's website, or contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
IDHS provides tips to avoid scams after recent severe weather
(WTWO/WAWV) — With the recent severe weather, the Indiana Department Homeland Security (IDHS) is warning Hoosiers to stay vigilant against storm-related scams. According to the IDHS, scammers could prey on homeowners by promising quick and affordable fixes, only to then disappear after a down payment has been made or delivering inadequate work. The Indiana Attorney General's office is providing tips to use to avoid falling victim to storm scammers: Be skeptical of anyone offering immediate cleanup or repair services without proper vetting. Know the facts: FEMA does not charge application fees. If someone demands payment to helpyou access FEMA funds, it is likely a scam. Research contractors: Check reputations through references, online reviews or the BetterBusiness Bureau before hiring. Verify credentials: Ask for IDs, licenses and proof that the contractor is bonded and insured. Get multiple estimates: Compare offers to ensure fair pricing and scope of work. Insist on written agreements: Do not trust verbal promises. Get everything in writing. Avoid risky payments: Never pay with wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency or cash, and never pay the full amount upfront. Those who suspect a scam can file a complaint at or call the AG's office at 1-800-382-5516. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
