FLINT, Mich. – As if the people of Flint didn't have enough to deal with in the middle of their current water crisis, scam artists are already at work, trying to victimize them all over again.
Both state and local authorities are sounding the alarm for the people of Flint and anyone who might be interested in helping the.
Attorney General Bill Schuette and Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton have released warnings about various scams that could be making the rounds all over the state. It's something we've seen before, scammers wait for a tragedy and then look for ways to make money from unsuspecting victims.
For example, so-called "Storm Chasers" will go to neighborhoods hit by severe storms or tornadoes and offer to "help" with cleanup. They will take your money and never do the work.
Sneaky con artists will also be looking for ways to cash in on the Flint water crisis. They might be going door-to-door trying to sell water treatment systems or offering to work on plumbing.
"I don't want to spread further fear in our community but, I also want our residents to be extra careful and vigilant at this time when dealing with unsolicited offers from strangers and unknown companies," said Prosecutor David Leyton.
Protect yourself in Flint from scammers
It's almost never a good idea to do business with someone who comes to your door, unsolicited, looking for your business. It's better to seek out a business you will know and trust, or at the very least make sure you get a few estimates to make sure the price is right and reasonable.
Here are some other tips to help you avoid the scammers:
- Beware of door-to-door solicitors. This applies to solicitors who you had no prior connection with.
- Again, do your research! If someone solicits your business that you have no working relationship, be sure to check out the company ahead of time before opening your wallet and signing any contract. Also call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division (toll free) at 1-877-765-8388 to check that company's complaint history.
- Be skeptical of strangers. Ask to see the ID of anyone who is looking to enter your home or business.
- Do not let any unauthorized parties tamper with your plumbing. This means not letting anyone remove your water meter. Also do not pay anyone who is trying to promise you "alternative" water services for your home's plumbing. These parties may be guilty of a misdemeanor under the Flint City Code of Ordinances.
- Family referrals go a long way. Ask your trusted family or friends for advice before you pay someone for their business.
Preying on your generous heart
While Flint residents are on the front lines for potentials scams, the con artists will also look for ways to take advantage of people who are looking for ways to help the victims of the water crisis. Fake fundraisers could already be popping up. They often try to use names that are very similar to well-known charities hoping you don't notice the difference.
Again, if you want to help the people of Flint, it's better for you to seek out a charity that you know you can trust. It's always better for you to be in charge of how you help others, rather than opening your wallet for someone who contacts you unsolicited, whether by phone, email, or even Facebook!
Ensure your donation makes it to Flint
- Avoid the unfamiliar. Any unfamiliar organizations, people, phone numbers, and email addresses should be avoided during this time.
- Be wary when donating money online. Sites like crowd-funding can be a good opportunity to donate, but with any third party donation platform, proceed with caution.
- Do your research. http:www.ag.state.mi.us/CharitableTrust is a good resource before you donate to see government approved charitable organizations
- Don't click on links in strange emails. Also be careful to avoid clicking on any links in emails asking for help. Those links could unleash viruses or malware into your computer.
Don't forget to fight back
If you feel you are a victim in anyway to any of these scammers, file a complaint here.
If you suspect fraud in anyway, report it to the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline: 1-866-720-5721
Or file a complaint with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division:
Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-373-1140
Toll free: 877-765-8388
View here: Online complaint form