The Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services is issuing a warning to residents of Northwest Iowa about potential scams in the wake of recent storms that may affect disaster relief efforts. It is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant as scammers may attempt to exploit the situation.
To protect yourself, always verify the credentials of any contractor or organization before engaging their services. Be wary of unsolicited offers from individuals claiming they can assist with storm recovery, as these offers often come with red flags indicating they may be scams.
Residents are advised never to pay with cash or make large upfront payments, as scammers typically favor untraceable methods and may pressure you for immediate payment. Instead, consider more secure payment options, such as credit cards.
If you encounter suspicious activities or believe you have been approached by a scammer, it is important to report these incidents. You can contact the Iowa Attorney General’s Office at 888-777-4590 for concerns about contractors or reach out to the Iowa Insurance Division at 877-955-1212 or 515-654-6600 regarding possible insurance scams.
In addition, disaster case advocacy teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are active in the area to assist residents who applied for help following the June 2024 floods. O’Brien County Emergency Management Agency coordinator Jared Johnson noted that these teams are going door-to-door, which may cause some confusion among residents.
This proactive approach by FEMA, coupled with the awareness campaign by the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services, aims to empower residents to safeguard against scams while they seek the assistance they need to recover from recent disasters.