Be aware of scams in floods' wake

Beware of flood-related scams, including fraudulent home-repair offers, car sales and charity appeals.

State officials say to watch out for:

Offers to help with repairs and cleanup

The first con artists on the scene are usually questionable contractors who promise immediate or cheap home repair and cleanup.

Check with the Department of Labor and Industries to ensure that a contractor you intend to hire is properly registered. You can search online at www.contractors.lni.wa.gov or call 800-647-0982.

Charity solicitations

Scam artists take advantage of disasters by soliciting donations for a bogus charity. You can confirm that a charity is registered with the Secretary of State's Office by calling 800-332-4483, or search online at www.secstate.wa.gov/charities.

Flood-damaged cars

Car shoppers should look out for vehicles damaged in the recent flooding.

These vehicles may be cleaned up and offered for sale by private parties, auto auctions or even used-car dealerships.

There are significant mechanical, safety and health risks associated with flood-damaged vehicles.

Use an online vehicle-history tracking service like carfax.com to get more information about a vehicle's past.