Watch out for scammers responding to tornado relief efforts

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – With so many people giving of their time and resources to help those in need, there are also a few bad apples trying to scam and abuse those in need.

Hundreds, even thousands of volunteers have filled the city with kindness and selflessness.

But a few are working to benefit themselves instead of the community.

Amy Milliken warns that some scams are coming in the form of fake contractors.

“There are businesses out there that want to pray on your good heartedness, and your need, your emergent need for repair. So, just as in normal times, in these emergency times you should never have to pay upfront for work to be done,” said Milliken.

To see if your contractor is for real, go to https://www.bgky.org/contractorslicensing. It’s updated in real time of all contractors that are licensed and insured in the area.

Milliken says if the company is not on that website, they are not legally allowed to be contracting in the city.

She also says if you are looking to donate items or money, make sure you are giving to groups that will keep the donations local and will not be taking the money to use for administrative costs.

“It is so heartwarming to see all of the volunteers going up to the Old Bowling Green Mall on Nashville Road. People coming in to help us, a neighbor helping neighbor, it’s amazing. We are good hearted people. We are giving people. But I don’t want anyone getting scammed. If you were giving money, make sure you know the organization,” said Milliken.

She says she fully supports the United Way’s tornado relief funds as well as Stuff the Bus.

There are also people cloning BGMU’s phone number, so it looks like BGMU is calling you, and demanding payment over the phone, and threatening to disconnect your utilities.

BGMU has confirmed that they will not resume disconnects until January 3rd, and they will never call you asking for payment.

If you are suspicious that you have been scammed, contact law enforcement.