WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office is warning residents to be wary of scammers in the wake of Thursday and Friday’s severe weather and flash flooding.
One of the most common scams after major storms are door-to-door contractor scams. The perpetrators will pretend to be part of a company and offer to fix things around your home. They’ll often use “high-pressure tactics designed to create confusion and urgency” to force you into signing a contract.
Flash flooding from 6-plus inches of rain leaves trail of damage in Wichita
“Scammers move fast,” the DA’s Office wrote in a news release. “While families are still dealing with flooded homes, damaged roofs, and waterlogged vehicles, con artists are already knocking on doors, flooding phones with robocalls, and setting up fake websites, all designed to take money from people who are already hurting.”
Here are a few tips from the District Attorney’s Office to protect yourself against scammers:
- Ask questions and demand verification from people offering services.
- Always ask for a contractor’s license and references.
- Never sign a contract that you haven’t fully read.
- Never pay for the services up front.
- Before hiring anyone, look up the company online and check out its reviews.
- Be skeptical if they say the deal is only available right now. That’s an immediate red flag.
- Protect personal information. If asked for your Social Security number, consider placing a free credit freeze on your accounts through Equifax, TransUnion and Experian.
Additionally, the District Attorney’s Office emphasizes the importance of looking out for vulnerable family members, especially those with memory loss or cognitive illnesses…