By Erin Smith
Bladenboro Police Chief Chris Hunt said on Friday that one resident in Bladenboro became a victim of a scam artist. He said that a male driving a cream colored van with a blinking yellow light on top stopped at the victims house and pretended he was there to repair the victim’s driveway and culvert.
Chief Hunt said the scammer asked the victim for $500 up front to make the necessary repairs and then asked her for ice and bottled water for his employees.
Chief Hunt said the victim said she has not seen the scammer since. He said once you hire a contractor to perform, do not pay them until all of the work is completed.
Chief Hunt said if someone does come to your house and tries to pressure you to pay for services up front, contact the authorities and get a description of the person, make and model of their vehicle, and if possible a tag number, and a direction of travel.
“Don’t pay anyone for any type of work to be done, until it has been completed,” said Chief Hunt.
In addition, there are also folks that are impersonating FEMA workers as well. Chief Hunt said the impersonators have had shirts and credentials made to resemble FEMA credentials.
“FEMA will never, ever show up at your house and voluntarily do an inspection,” said Chief Hunt.
He said there is a protocol one must go through to receive FEMA aid. Chief Hunt that protocol requires you to go to the FEMA website www.DisasterAssistance.gov and submit a claim. He said a claim number is then generated and the application is sent to a FEMA agent who will then go to your house with the information from the claim you submitted.
The FEMA agent will know what damages you have claimed, said Chief Hunt. He said if you are uncertain, ask the FEMA agent to tell you what damages you filed on your claim form. If they are legitimate they will know and have that information with them.
He said there is telephone number you can call for questions regarding FEMA aid and applications. That number is 800-621-3362.
Chief Hunt advises to make photos of the damages you are filing a claim on and also get a receipt from a legitimate contractor. Taking pictures after the repairs are complete is also a good idea said Chief Hunt.
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