Illinois official warning of post-hurricane scams

Check with the Secretary of State before writing a check or otherwise giving money to investment advisers and securities brokers, Jesse White says.

Large-scale natural disasters like the back-to-back hurricanes of Harvey and Irma bring out the best in people, White says, but also bring out unscrupulous scam artists.

Hurricane-related scams include promoting investment pools or bonds to help storm victims, promote water-removal or purification technologies, electrical generators and distressed real estate remediation. Fine out more at www.avoidthescam.net or call the Secretary of State’s Securities Department at 800-628- 7937.

Used-car buyers will also want to check for flooded vehicles, which may appear fine at first but soon have electrical or mechanical problems.

This story was originally published September 18, 2017 at 12:09 PM with the headline "Illinois official warning of post-hurricane scams."