Victims of Past Storms Warn Against Scams

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Hurricane Katrina Damage

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Once the immediate effects of Hurricane Katrina have subsided, Gulf Coast residents will have to deal with another plague _ scam artists wanting to take advantage of their desperation.

After four hurricanes pummeled Florida last year, many people fell victim to fraudulent contractors who walked off with their money and left their homes in even worse shape. Even legitimate contractors illegally raised their fees. One company tried to charge Orange County residents as much as $30,000 for tree removal.