Valley residents experienced a taste of natural disasters earlier this month, as a powerful storm plowed through the area, leaving many with damaged homes and vehicles, uprooted trees and interrupted utility service. These situations bring out the best in people who eagerly step forward to help friends and neighbors, but bring a plague of roving scammers specializing in defrauding homeowners out of cash, insurance payments or fees for nonexistent repair grants.

The Federal Trade Commission acts as a clearinghouse for scam information and has compiled a list of red flags indicating the repair guy on your doorstep may not have your best interests at heart.

Common signs of a storm chaser scam:

• The contractor says they don’t need a license to do the work.

• You are told you’ll get a discount, but only if you sign a contract NOW.

• The contractor tells you to sign over your insurance check.

• The contractor asks you to pay for everything up front.

• You are instructed to pay by wire transfer, gift card, a payment app, cash or cryptocurrency.

• The contractor gives you a blank contract to sign — or refuses to give you a contract at all.

• The contractor steers you to a particular lender they know.

• You are told you qualify for FEMA funds — for a fee.

• A “utility worker” shows up to fix something — and demands immediate payment.

• A contractor driving an unmarked vehicle with out-of-state plates.

Unlicensed, unscrupulous contractors frequently show up in recently-hit areas, demanding payment upfront for help. Avoid anyone who demands cash in advance or if they can’t provide copies of their license, insurance, or a written contract. Never pay anyone a fee to process a FEMA application for financial assistance. Do not sign insurance checks over to contractors. And never share your insurance information with any contractor unless your insurance company says OK.

Hiring a contractor in the best of circumstances is a careful process, so take the time to protect yourself before moving forward. Get a couple of prices for the work to be done, and don’t quickly give the business to the lowest bidder. Demand a written contract for work to be done, which should include things like the contractor’s name, address, phone and license number. Ask for a copy of their insurance certificate and business license. If you have web access, verify your contractor is listed with the Ohio Department of Commerce by checking its website for “verified licensed contractors.” You can also check out contractors through our area’s Better Business Bureau.

If you are sitting out there with no power or internet, a collapsed tree on your house and a bashed-up car, the guy on your doorstep may seem like a miracle — which is what they count on. Think about what you’re doing, and bear the red flags in mind before parting with your hard-earned money or making a hasty commitment you’ll later regret.