Officials: Guard against looters, scam artists
Law enforcement agencies are reminding residents to watch out for looters and possible scams as well.
Lt.
Police have also beefed up patrols in areas that have been damaged.
Meanwhile Capt.
"Some looting has happened, as there always is with these type of situations," he said. "There have been some break-ins as well. We've solved some of them already and arrested some people with regards to it."
He said the department is investigating a break-in at
"If you can lock your stuff up, lock it up," he said. "If you have a home you're not able to stay in, try to lock things up. Don't leave generators outside (if they aren't running)."
Daniels agreed, suggesting that, in homes where damage doesn't allow locking up, residents should consider moving valuables to storage units or family's or friends' homes.
"Secure any doors or windows that may have been damaged," he said.
Whitfield and Daniels both also emphasized the importance of neighborhoods and neighbors watching out for one another. "If you see someone driving around and looking around, get their tag and report it," Whitfield said.
He said anyone poking around in debris piles in front of houses should also be reported.
Daniels agreed. "We're asking folks to look out for their neighbor. If you see someone doing something they're not supposed to be doing, please call the police."
For emergencies, dial 911. To make other reports, the
"If anybody needs anything at all, the sheriff's office is open 24-7 and we'll try to help you out with whatever it is," Whitfield said.
Meanwhile N.C. Insurance Commissioner
Causey warned residents to avoid being taken advantage of by dishonest contractors and scam artists.
"Many of you are already under tremendous emotional stress," he said, "so the last thing you want to do is become a victim twice."
He also warned North Carolinians to not be tempted to conspire in fraudulent insurance claims.
"A fraudulent claim could result in your claim not getting paid," he said. "And since insurance fraud is a crime, you could end up with serious legal problems."
Casey offered the following tips to remember before acting on a contractor's offer for services:
--Beware of contractor or roofing representatives going door-to-door after a disaster, such as Hurricane Florence.
--Call your insurance agent or insurance company before signing a contract or paying for repairs.
--Work with only licensed and insured contractors.
--Get more than one estimate. Don't be pushed into signing a contract right away.
--Get everything in writing. Cost, work to be done, time schedule, guarantees, payment schedule and other expectations should be detailed.
--Require references and check them out.
--Ask to see the salesperson's driver's license. Write down the license number. Also take down his or her license plate number.
--Never sign a contract with blanks. Fraudulent contractors may enter unacceptable terms later.
--Never pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate until the work is completed.
To report suspected fraud, contact the
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