DAYTON — Multiple tornado victims have reported scam calls from people claiming to be with Ohio Task Force 1 and asking for donations or offering repair work, according to OH-TF1.
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The state and federal emergency response team does not ask for donations or advertise any repair companies.
“It is disheartening to hear of people trying to scam storm damage victims during this very difficult time,” said Phil Sinewe, public information officer for OH-TF1. “Of course it is even more disturbing when they fraudulently use the respected name of OH-TF1.”
If anyone receives a call asking for donations or offering to help as an OH-TF1 representative, they should immediately report it to the police.
“Victims seeking help with damage repair should always be on the look-out for less than desirable contractors and companies,” said Sinewe. “A storm of this magnitude is the perfect breeding ground for scammers and out-of-town contractors to swoop in and take advantage of victims during their time of need. Consumers should always check and confirm credentials of people soliciting either funds or repair work.”