The Henry County Office of Emergency Management is issuing an urgent warning to residents following reports of suspicious individuals claiming to be contractors working with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Several residents along Highway Z in Henry County have reported being approached by individuals falsely identifying themselves as “SEMA contractors.” These individuals are allegedly offering repair work with the promise that homeowners only need to pay 10% down, with “SEMA covering the rest.” In at least one case, the suspects placed a ladder on a residence and began dismantling guttering without permission.
This is a scam.
There are no SEMA or FEMA contractors going door-to-door to assess, bid, or conduct repair work on private homes.
If someone approaches your home claiming to be with SEMA, FEMA, or any emergency management contractor and attempts to solicit payment or begin work:
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Do not engage.
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Do not provide money or personal information.
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Contact 911 immediately.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Department has been notified and is actively investigating these reports.
Emergency Management Director Mark Hardin stressed, “In the aftermath of a disaster, unfortunately, we often see scammers trying to take advantage of vulnerable residents. Always verify anyone claiming to represent an agency, and never feel pressured to make immediate payments.”
For official recovery assistance or information, residents are encouraged to contact Henry County Emergency Management at (660) 885-7231 or visit the official website at www.henrycomo.com/emergency-management.
Stay alert. Protect yourself. And report suspicious activity.
