TOLEDO, Ohio — As the south cleans up the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton is roaring through as it made landfall in Florida Wednesday night.
Some organizations are asking people for money to help those who've been impacted. But not all are legitimate, and Jim Mcintyre, a representative with the American Red Cross, says it's important for people to ensure their money is not going into the hands of scammers.
"It's very important that people's hard-earned money goes to an organization that has credibility like the Red Cross," he said.
You can search the organization on Charity Watch or the Better Business Bureau to make sure you're not dealing with fraud before handing over any money.
"It's important the people who are hurricane-weary have the help that they need," Mcintyre said.
Lane Montz, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau in northwest Ohio, said contractors will make their way to Florida shortly after the hurricane.
But not all of them have the best intentions in mind.
"Try to research the company," Montz said. "Do not assume anyone showing up with a bulldozer is reputable."
He also said to focus on getting emergency repairs done first. Then, when it's time for the larger projects, get a contract in writing and work with insurance if you can.
If you're paying out of pocket, settle on a price before signing the dotted line.
"You should work with the contractor to get a quote or a not-to-exceed price before you just let them start rebuilding stuff and you have no idea what the price is going to be," Montz said.
The BBB also has a scam survival kit on its website for consumers.