Logan County Sheriff Randy Dodds is reminding residents to be cautious of storm cleanup scams following severe weather.
Contractors, cleanup crews and repair services often arrive in areas affected by storms.
While many are legitimate, scammers can also use storm damage as an opportunity to target homeowners who may be dealing with unexpected repairs and financial losses.
Sheriff Dodds encourages residents to research contractors before hiring them and to get written estimates for any work.
Homeowners should also ask for identification from anyone claiming to represent a government agency, utility company or repair service.
Residents should never pay for storm-related work using gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
They should also be cautious of anyone demanding a large upfront payment.
Sheriff Dodds says homeowners should be especially wary of anyone who pressures them to make an immediate decision or claims an offer is available for “today only.”
Residents looking to donate to storm relief efforts should also verify the charity before making a donation.
Taking a few minutes to research a contractor or organization can help prevent homeowners from becoming victims of a costly scam while recovering from storm damage.
