SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is calling on area residents affected by Thursday’s storms to avoid falling victim to scammers as they work to clean up debris and damage.
As many South Dakotans are left looking to rebuild and collect on insurance, the BBB said residents should be on the lookout for “storm chasers” — often in the form of unlicensed contractors or solicitors who might be trying to scam victims of severe storms.
Storm chasers are a threat in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters, according to the BBB. Calling them “fly-by-night opportunists,” the BBB said storm chasers tend to arrive in disaster areas after the weather has passed, seeking to scam unsuspecting victims in a vulnerable moment.
“There are so many questions to consider following a storm and it can be difficult to know where to begin,” said Jim Hegarty, BBB regional president and CEO. “Natural disasters can certainly bring out the best in people, especially in our communities where help comes quickly from neighbors. But unfortunately, there are also solicitors looking to take advantage of vulnerable victims.
“Scam contractors will likely flock to the areas affected by recent storm damage in the pursuit of a big pay day,” Hegarty continued. “Some of these con artists will even attempt to pay contractors or construction companies with strong reputations for the right to use their name.”
After Thursday’s storm left behind…
