Beware of scam artists, South Dakota attorney general warns flooding victims

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is residents affected by flooding in the southeast portion of the state to be careful about flood-related scams involving fraudulent home repairs and charity appeals.

“These are the times when scam artists prey on those dealing with natural disasters,” Jackley said in a press release. “They will try and take advantage of South Dakotans’ generosity and say anything to convince you to give them money.”

In the release, Jackley encouraged flood victims to work with contractors and charities that they know.

The Attorney General Office’s Consumer Protection Division also recommends the following:

• Do not give into high-pressure sales tactics.
• Be cautious with contractors who solicit business door to door.
• Always get repair work, construction orders and other types of contracts in writing with expected cost estimates.
• Compare written bids from several contractors before signing a contract.
• Never pay for the entire job upfront and withhold the final payment until the work is done to your satisfaction.
• Don’t take a contractor’s word that your insurance company will cover the damage. Check directly with your insurance company.
• When it comes to charities, give a donation to a local organization that you know.
• If you have questions about a business or charitable organization, telephone them first to make sure they are legitimate.
• Talk to someone you can trust before you provide money or personal information to someone who contacts you.

Consumers who believe they may have been a victim of any type of scam should contact the Attorney General’s Office’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or at https://consumer.sd.gov/.