Council Woman Warns Storm Victims To Beware Scams

Click on link to see video: Council Woman Warns Storm Victims To Beware Scams: "Storm victims are only just now beginning to start cleaning up after Thursday night's weather, and now may have to worry about yet another problem." News Channel 5 NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Storm victims are only just now beginning to start cleaning up after Thursday night's weather, and now may have to worry about yet another problem. As if surviving a tornado wasn't enough, now folks are forced to dodge criminals who are trolling for construction work even though they don't have a license. Metro Council Person Vivian Wilhoite represents the area of South Nashville where the tornado hit. She showed up Friday morning to make sure her constituents were well-equipped to handle the aftermath of last nights storm. Wilhoite said she immediatley noticed dozens of people combing the neighborhood, claiming to work for insurance agencies or construction companies and offering to repair roofs or remove trees. The problem is, Wilhoite said many of those people are either lying or unlicensed and only looking to take advantage of storm victims. "They are beneath the dirt of the Earth to take advantage of people during these types of times. That is just not right," said Wilhoite. Wilhoite spent much of the day reminding people to work directly with their insurance agents, and always call your agency to make sure the person standing in front of you is who they say they are. She said instead of paying someone to help clear debris or do other work, check with Metro first. Often times, the city will offer many services for free. On Saturday, Metro Public Works and the Sheriff's department will be in the area helping to clean up.