Whether it’s tornadoes or floods, wildfires or hurricanes, it seems like it’s always natural disaster season - which means it’s always a good time for scammers to try and rip people off.

Following extreme weather events, dubious contractors and outright scammers descend on affected communities, offering quick, cheap fixes.

While some reputable contractors solicit door-to-door, many knockers are running scams.

Here’s how to be sure you avoid the damage to your wallet these criminals can cause.

How it works

•Someone claiming to be a contractor arrives on your doorstep and explains he’s just finished a job fixing storm damage on a neighbor’s property.

•Since he’s here already, he’ll say he can handle your needed repairs at a steep discount.

•He’ll more than likely ask for payment upfront or try to convince you to sign over payment from your insurance company.

What to know

•Shady contractors and outright scammers flood (no pun intended) areas hit by extreme weather events in search of “work” that they may or may not even attempt to do.

•Many will specifically target older homeowners who they perceive as more trusting, more likely to have savings and-they think-may be experiencing cognitive decline.

What to do

•As convenient and as compelling as it may seem, avoid reactively agreeing to repair work at your doorstep; rather, proactively seek out contractors that you can research.

•Get written estimates and compare bids from multiple contractors before starting any work.

•Ask contractors for references-and check them.

•Pay no more than a third of the total cost prior to the work beginning - and then only when materials arrive.

Knowledge gives you power over scams.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network equips you with reliable, up-to-date insights and connects you to our free fraud helpline so you can better protect yourself and your loved ones.

We also advocate at the state, federal and local levels to enact policy changes that protect consumers and enforce laws.

One more thing.

We launched AARP VOA ReST, a free program that provides emotional support for people affected by a scam or fraud.

ReST sessions are online, hour-long, confidential small groups led by trained peer facilitators.

Experiencing a scam can be devastating, but it doesn’t have to define you.

Interested, visit aarp.org/fraudsupport to learn more.