Scammers target storm victims

TOLEDO, Ohio (WDTN) - As victims of last weekend's tornado in the Toledo area tried to pick up the pieces, scammers tried to pick their pockets.

Piles of debris and belongings littered the rural area of Lake Township. Four days after a deadly tornado ripped through the area, the clean up and rebuilding continued. But, just as quickly as those storms blew in, so did storm chasers. They are fly-by-night contractors who try to scam desperate victims.

"The biggest thing is people react on emotions without doing the research they need on that company to see if that company is legit or not," said John North of the Better Business Bureau .

North joined state officials who also warned victims to beware of scammers offering to get you back on your feet quickly.

"First, look for a company vehicle logo. See if they have any literature on their company that actually has the company name on there," advises North. "If they're using high pressure sales tactics, such as you need to act now, they want money upfront. Those are all the warning signs, " said North.

500 Miami Valley companies fall under the storm chaser or home and tree repair category that have an "F" rating with the BBB. Should disaster strike here and you need help, be prepared and be patient.

"If you've got someone ready, willing and able to come in and help you right now, then you need to really research that company. Often times they are doing less than a legitimate business," North said.

He also said never hand over your insurance check to a contractor or pay money upfront.

The BBB has a list of fraudulent contractors as well as reputable companies. You can find a link to its website under the web links part of this page.