Fire victims and residents warned against post disaster scammers

Rubble from burned down and damaged homes sit on the sidelines on Palo Colorado Road as fire victims clean up and rebuild.

“This communities close and we’re helping each other,” said Keith Gaudoin whose home of 43 years burned down.

He is in the process of figuring out the next step.

“It’s not easy when you’ve been up here for so long, but it’s something you have to turn the page on,” said Gaudoin. “It’s a lot of work basically is what it is.”

As people pick up the pieces the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office and the county Office of Emergency Services are warning residents and fire victims about potential scammers.

“It’s real common in post disaster environments for a lot of sketchy people to come in and try to take advantage of it,” said Dick Bower, with the Office of Emergency Services.

Scammers are doing everything from asking for money for local charities and fire relief, to posing as contractors.

“If you’re working with a contractor make sure you do get a copy of their contractor’s license,” said Bower.

They also said people should be weary of debris cleaning scams, fake disaster officials, vendors offering low interest loans, and not to readily provide personal or insurance information to people contacting you.

“Don’t share personal information with people who you don’t really trust,” said Bower. “Because certainly they’re going to be people coming in who can try to snag your information and be able to use that and essentially pad their pockets.”

Emergency officials warn buying into these scams could also cost you more money down the line. You could be liable if an unlicensed contractors is hurt on the job and for all the illegal work they’ve done on your property.