As people recover from the ice storm that has damaged electrical power distribution throughout the State, they should be alert to disaster related scams. The Federal Emergency Management Administration ("FEMA") has issued a warning that they have received reports of scammers posing as officials from utilities or as government officials. While there are no known reports of these scams in New Hampshire, be alert for scammers asking for a payment in order to get power restored or speed along the delivery of assistance. "Any request for such a payment by anyone claiming to be a utility worker or state official should be viewed with the utmost suspicion – no public utility or state agency will ever make such a request for payment," said Ayotte.

In order to avoid becoming the victim of such scam artists, New Hampshire citizens should take these precautions:

• Always request identification from anyone that visits your home claiming to be from a government office or a utility. Utility workers and state officials carry identification and expect to be asked to show it.
• Do not provide credit card or banking information to anyone who calls on the phone or who comes to your home unannounced.
• If you have a concern about a person claiming to be a contractor, contact the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau of the Attorney General's office.

The Consumer Protection Bureau's consumer hotline can be reached at (603) 271-3641. Additional information can be obtained on the Department of Justice's Internet site, by clicking on the Consumer Protection links.