SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — As storm victims continue their recovery from last week’s round of severe weather in eastern South Dakota, numerous individuals and companies are traveling through the region offering assistance in repairs.
Jesse Schmidt of the Better Business Bureau says many are from outside of South Dakota.
She says that it is important to check bbb.org to see if the contractor has a good or a bad rating.
However, she says many of the companies that are coming are legitimate.
Schmidt says to be sure to check with your insurance company before engaging a contractor.
Another problem that’s popped up after the storms is people falsely soliciting donations for victims.
The Hamlin County Sheriff’s Office warns residents on Facebook that they’re already getting reports of fraudsters asking for donations who are not victims of the storms.
Hamlin County was hit particularly hard by tornadoes and strong winds.
The Sheriff asks that you make sure the group soliciting the donations is a legitimate foundation or organization.
(JP Skelly, KORN, contributed this report. Additional reporting by KELO.com News’ Todd Epp and Liz Ryan.)
