ST. LOUIS – The damage is devastating. People’s homes and lives were upended by the region’s first severe spring storms. 

While the community is cleaning up, scammers are trying to get a leg up. 

Communities like Bridgeton and O’Fallon are warning residents about post-storm scams. 

“When storms like this happen, consumers want the work done quickly,” said Sarah Wetzel with Better Business Bureau St. Louis.

Wetzel encourages consumers to take their time and do their research to help protect against hiring a company.

“Red flags consumers should look for are the ones that are coming door to door, unsolicited offers. And if they come door to door, they have high-pressure sales tactics,” Wetzel said. “If they’re asking for cash only, high upfront payments or if they’re promising to do work and have no written contract. Contacting your insurance company first is huge.”

Advice insurance agent Ed Fogelbach echoed that sentiment as well when FOX 2 spoke with him last week. 

Fogelbach recommends those to use their insurance agent as a resource to ensure they’re properly protected and guided after storms hit.

“That person is there to guide you through and talk to you about that policy, those coverages and make sure that you understand what they’re for, how you use them and how they can protect you and your future,” Fogelbach said.

And when it comes to the claims process…

“Just because the settlement comes through from the adjuster doesn’t mean it’s a final. Everything is, you know, something you can discuss. Just get your agent involved,” Fogelbach said.