Midwest Flooding Aftermath: Beware Of Scammers Exploiting Residents

It's been pure destruction for many residents in the Midwest during the recent historic flooding event. South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska residents have witnessed dams breaking, railroad bridges collapsing, and rivers pouring forth wrath out of their banks. Rolls of sodden carpet and ruined furniture are a common sight along many streets.

When people are at their lowest dealing with loss and frustration, despicable wolves can and will try to rob you of anything you've got left. It's heinous, but these pitiful scammers have absolutely no heart or sympathy.

How to protect yourself:

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has some words of advice in a statewide press release we all need to hear.

“These are the times when scam artists prey on those dealing with natural disasters,” said Attorney General Jackley. “They will try and take advantage of South Dakotans generosity and say anything to convince you to give them money.”

*** Do not give into high pressured sales tactics.

*** Be cautious with contractors who solicit business door-to-door.

*** Always get any repair work, construction orders and other types of contracts in writing with expected cost estimates.

*** Compare written bids from several contractors prior to signing a contract.

*** Never pay for the entire job upfront and withhold the final payment until the work is done to your satisfaction.

*** Don’t take a contractor’s word that your insurance company will cover the damage. Check directly with your insurance company.

*** When it comes to charities, give a donation to a local organization that you know.

*** If you have questions about a business or charitable organization, telephone them first to make sure they are legitimate.

*** Talk to someone you can trust before you provide money or personal information to someone who contacts you.

Thanks, Marty. Good advise.

These lowlifes out to prey upon flooding victims when they are most vulnerable. Don't let them in. Godspeed and stay sharp. You got this.

Haunted Locations and Scary Legends Around Sioux Falls

Halloween is steeped in scary traditions. Trick-or-Treating, frightening costumes, local actors in "haunted" houses, and the pitch-black darkness of area corn mazes.

However, if we set out to find the real haunted areas what would we find? Over the last 30 years that I have lived in Sioux Falls, a few locations still gain attention as being haunted.

And yes, a handful of thrill-seeking people will show up on our favorite eerie night for what could be a viral video moment or experience a misty phantom first-hand.

Let's take a little tour of the more famous hauntings around Sioux Falls. Turn on the lights and cue the Cowardly Lion: "I do believe in spooks, I do believe in spooks..."

Gallery Credit: Danny V