Watch Out For Storm-Chasing Con Artists
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Victims of natural disaster often times are hit twice. Once by mother nature and again by scam artists taking advantage of their situation.
The Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission told CBS' I-Team that if the past disasters are proof, crowdfunding websites and contractors are all out to offer aid that sometimes is not authorized by the city or county or even the person they're collecting money for.
In fact one Van, TX resident posted a warning on Facebook to be aware of scammers in the area.
"They just literally follow the storms around," says Jeannette Kopko of BBB. "That's why they are called storm chasers, not the weather kind, the scam kind."
So if you are looking for a legitimate business to help you rebuild, the BBB says check out the contractor on its website. Search for the contractor online with the word "complaints" next to it, and of course, never pay upfront.
If you want to help here's a list of charities mentioned by county officials:
The American Red Cross
Assembly God Church
Van Community Ministries
The Samaritan Purse
The county is also collecting donations at the Van Zandt community centers.
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