LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Powerful thunderstorms tore through Kentucky and Indiana on Tuesday. Strong wind gusts, and even a few tornadoes, caused damage throughout the region leaving several communities to clean up in the aftermath.
On Wednesday, officials warned residents to use caution when getting help from people offering to remove storm damage as they could be attempting to scam homeowners.
"Please be very careful," Mayor Craig Greenberg said during a news conference. "Unfortunately, there are some folks who seek to prey, on what they believe are opportunities, following severe weather like we just had in our city. So, it's important to be very careful when individuals are coming to you and telling you they can help you."
Tips to avoid being scammed:
- Contact your insurance company first and follow their instructions.
- Research contractors that offer help.
- Get more than one estimate.
- Check the Better Business Bureau's (BBB) website.
- Resist high-pressure sales tactics.
- Be weary of anyone saying they represent FEMA. Remember, FEMA doesn't charge for inspections and always wear ID badges. If you're unsure, contact FEMA at 202-646-2500.
- Do not pay up front.
- Do not sign insurance checks over to a contractor.
PHOTOS: Storm damage reported across Kentucky, Indiana on April 2, 2024
Where to report potential scams:
- In Kentucky, fill out this online form on Attorney General Russell Coleman's website, or call 502-696-5389.
- In Indiana, fill out this online form on Attorney General Todd Rikita's website, or call 800-382-5516.
The BBB also warned local contractors to beware of storm chasers who offer to pay local construction companies large amounts of money to use that business's established name, reputation, or phone so they can masquerade as a local business.
"Many contractors who agreed to let storm chasers use their name regret their decision once they were left holding the bag of unsatisfied customers due to bad workmanship and/or unfulfilled warranties," officials warned.
Officials are also advising LG&E and KU customers without power to not be scammed by people posing as the companies' employees. Remember, LG&E and KU will never call customers and demand payment immediately over the phone to restore power or prevent it from being shut off.
Never give your financial information over the phone to an unsolicited caller, the BBB said.
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