Officials warn of scams, looters in wake of storms

Reports have streamed in over the last few days of people from far and near coming to lend a hand to those who are hurting in the east end of the county, but everyone knows there’s always a flip side to the story.

Disastrous situations are often the prime time for some to take advantage of people who are vulnerable by looting or through scams, but Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver said criminal activity will not be tolerated.

“We’ve had reports of people trying to loot in these areas, but we haven’t caught anyone or made arrests,” Oliver said. “We’re doing everything we can to keep these areas safe and to keep tight control of the crime.”

To deter those who might have intentions of looting others belongings scattered in the debris and rubble, Oliver said he and Phil Campbell Police Chief Merrell Potter have implemented a dusk-till-dawn curfew and have upped the patrol in the area.

“We have called in other agencies from other counties to help us patrol and the National Guard is also here guarding the areas,” Oliver said. “It’s just pitiful that anyone would try to take advantage of someone in a situation like this. It’s just like kicking somebody when they’re down.

“Anyone caught trying to take advantage of people during this time will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Oliver added. “This is not the time for people to be stealing from their neighbors. This is the time to be helping.”

FEMA representative Carol Harris agreed that while many people want to help, some people are so cold, they’ll do anything to take advantage of someone.

“Disaster victims should be aware of potential scams and fraud because, as residents are beginning the recovery process, people may pretend to be contractors and inspectors associated with FEMA and ask for a fee,” Harris said, “but FEMA employees do not solicit or accept money.

“After someone registers for assistance with FEMA, they’ll be given a registration number, and the only other person with that number will be the FEMA inspector. If someone claims to be a FEMA inspector but cannot tell you your registration number, do not talk to them.”

According to FEMA officials, some scammers are attempting to purchase goods with fake FEMA vouchers at other stores but FEMA does not offer financial assistance in the form of vouchers.

Those who suspect anyone of committing fraudulent activities should call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline toll-free at 866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made to local law enforcement agencies like the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and through the state’s Office of Consumer Affairs at: 800-392-5658.

FEMA offered the following list of precautions and tips to safeguard against disaster-related fraud:

• Ask for ID. If someone represents him or herself as a federal employee, such as an inspector, but doesn’t produce identification, resident should ask to see the identification.

• A FEMA or U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) shirt or jacket is not absolute proof of someone’s affiliation with the government.

• Federal employees carry official, laminated photo identification. Applicants may receive a visit from more than one inspector or verifier.

• Safeguard personal information. Do not give personal information such as Social Security and bank account numbers to individuals claiming to be affiliated with the federal government. FEMA inspectors never require this information. FEMA will request an applicant’s Social Security or bank account number during the first phone call when the applicant calls FEMA’s registration line. On any follow-up calls, a representative may ask for the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you didn’t initiate the phone call, do not provide sensitive personal information because it could be a scam.

• Beware of people going door-to-door. People going door-to-door to damaged homes or phoning disaster survivors and claiming to be building contractors could be frauds. If visitors or callers solicit personal information such as Social Security or bank account numbers, they may not be legitimate.

• Federal workers do not solicit or accept money. Remember, FEMA and SBA staff members never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. If in doubt, do not give out information, then report people claiming to be government workers to local police.

• FEMA inspectors only verify damage. FEMA inspectors do not hire or endorse specific contractors to repair damage.

• Use reliable, licensed contractors. Ask to see a license. For more information about a contractor, or if you are unsure about the validity of a license, check with the Better Business Bureau and your local or state contractor licensing officials.

• Get a written estimate, and be sure to read the fine print. Always get estimates from several reputable contractors before making a decision. Always hire a local contractor if at all possible.

Ask for a written contract. A complete contract should clearly state all the work to be performed, all associated costs, the payment schedule and obligate the contractor to pay for all materials ordered for the job.

Permits. Make sure the contract clearly states who will obtain the necessary permits. Have a lawyer review the contract if substantial costs are involved. Keep a copy of the signed contract.

Proof of insurance. Make sure your contractor carries general liability insurance, workers’ compensation and is bonded. A homeowner could be liable for accidents on the property when working with an uninsured contractor.

Pay by check. Avoid paying in advance and making payments in cash if at all possible. A reasonable down payment is 30 percent of the total cost of the project. Remember there is a federal law which generally allows a buyer to cancel a contract within three-days for unsolicited door-to-door sales of more than $25, but some exceptions may apply for emergency housing repairs if the buyer initiated the contact with the contractor.