WICHITA, KS — In the wake of Thursday's flash flooding and storm related damage across Kansas and especially Sedgwick County this week, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office is warning residents to be on guard against scammers who target people during and after disasters.
Scammers move fast. 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.
Watch Out for These Common Scams
Door-to-door contractors are one of the most common post-disaster threats. Someone may show up offering to repair your roof or clear debris from your property, push you to sign a contract on the spot, then disappear with your money before any work is done, or do shoddy work that leaves you worse off.
After major storms, it is common for contractors and solicitors to travel from out of state specifically to take advantage of disaster-affected communities. Before hiring anyone, ask where the company is based, look them up online, and check their reviews. A business that does not have a local presence or cannot provide local references deserves extra scrutiny. Always ask for a contractor's license and references. Never sign a contract you haven't fully read, and do not pay in full before the job is done.
How to Protect Yourself
Ask questions and demand identification from anyone who comes to your door offering services. Call the company or agency they claim to represent to confirm they actually work there. Never pay for services entirely upfront, and never pay by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Take your time; a legitimate contractor or aid worker will not pressure you to decide on the spot. If someone tells you the deal is only good right now, that is a warning sign, not a reason to act fast.
Protect your personal information. If you have been asked for your Social Security number, consider placing a free credit freeze on your accounts through the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. A credit freeze makes it much harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name.