KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffFlood Victims Cautioned about Scams, Camping Fees Waived

Flood Victims Cautioned about Scams, Camping Fees Waived

Flood Victims Cautioned about Scams, Camping Fees Waived
By: Christy Hendricks

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will waive state park camping fees for flood victims.

Governor Matt Blunt instructed DNR to waive the camping fees for families displaced by the recent flooding.  The waiver applies to all Missouri residents victims of flooding in counties declared disaster counties for 2008.  The waiver will apply for 15 days and will be allowed at basic and electric campsites on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Campers will need to bring their own camping equipment.

Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon warns Missourians of scams during flood preparation and recovery.  Nixon says people known as "storm chasers" target hard-hit areas offering home-repair services.  Nixon says consumers should also be on the lookout for price gouging on supplies like water, ices storage units, gas and generators, and to report any price gouging. 

Nixon offers these tips when hiring contractors...

Be suspicious of contractors who:

• offers services door-to-door and no I.D.
• drives an unmarkes vehicle or has out-of-state plates
• demands full payment in advance and uses high-pressure sales tactics
• has no address, just a phone number or P.O. Box

When hiring a home-repair company:

• Hire known or recommended companies.
• Check the credentials of companies
• Get at least two estimates
• Get all agreements in writing
• Make full payment only when the terms of the contract are met