Presentation designed to help tornado victims avoid scams

When a natural disaster hits, the devastation left behind isn't always limited to destroyed property and emotional distress.

Another element -- fraud -- is sometimes an unwanted companion to the recovery process.

In the wake of the New Year's Eve tornadoes that affected several areas of Missouri, victims can learn more about avoiding scams on Thursday in Fenton at the Solid Rock United Pentecostal Church, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

A presentation will be given that highlights various areas of fraud, along with providing victims resources on identifying and reporting illegal practices.

Officer Rick Eckhard, a spokesman for St. Louis County Police told the paper that "We've seen this in the past, when money becomes released from insurance companies, there are people out there who are not legitimate."

The presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m.