KENTUCKY — Just over one week after catastrophic tornadoes tore through many Kentucky communities, Kentucky State Police are warning survivors of fraudulent disaster relief scams.

State police have received "several complaints" in reference to scammers offering fraudulent disaster relief. Individuals have posed as FEMA representatives, American Red Cross volunteers, insurance adjusters and debris removal contractors among other things.

Scammers like that are often trying to get money from vulnerable people, so KSP is reminding all communities that FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration reps never charge money for disaster relief.

"FEMA representatives will never promise a disaster grant in return for payment and are never authorized to collect your personal financial information," KSP said in a statement.

Legitimate FEMA representatives carry official identification badges with photo IDs and will also have your specific FEMA application number, if you've applied for disaster relief.

KSP has received information from the National Insurance Crime Bureau to help those impacted by the tornado ensure they are utilizing legitimate contractors for cleanup and repair. 

To avoid contractor fraud, KSP recommends following these tips:

• Get more than one estimate. Never let a contractor pressure you into hiring them
• Work only with licensed and insured contractors
• Demand references and check them
• Ask to see the salesperson’s driver’s license and write down the driver’s license number and their vehicle’s license plate number
• Get a contract in writing – This should include cost, time schedules, payment schedules, guarantees, work to be done, and other expectations that should be detailed
• Never sign a contract with blanks as these could be filled in later without your knowledge
• Never pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate until the work is done and ensure reconstruction is up to current code

Should homeowners suspect fraud during the rebuilding process, they should contact their insurer, local law enforcement, and the NICB (1-800-TEL-NICB).

Those impacted by the tornadoes can apply for legitimate federal aid online or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

State police on Sunday also warned of reports of looting and thefts in tornado-impacted areas. You can report suspicious individuals or activity to the Kentucky State Police at (270) 856-3721.