Illinois Attorney General’s Investigators Work in Tornado-Damaged Towns

Investigators from Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office are working in central and southern Illinois communities severely damaged by tornadoes.

Already, one out-of-state organization is under investigation for a potential fundraising scam tied to relief efforts.

Madigan said Monday that hundreds of contractors have arrived in Washington alone. She says the situation and high number raises the possibility of fraud. Her tips to avoid being scammed include not paying anyone in cash for promised work.

The investigators were dispatched after the storm hit Nov. 17. Madigan says they’ve set up offices to help with permitting. She says it also helps scare off potential scammers.

The National Weather Service says two dozen tornadoes struck Illinois the day of the storm. Six people died in Illinois and nearly 150 were injured.