Lowndes County Emergency Management is alerting residents to a scam involving individuals posing as volunteers offering to clear debris in exchange for payment. These individuals have been reported asking for money under the guise of being part of legitimate volunteer organizations.

Authorities emphasize that none of the volunteer groups currently operating in Lowndes County are charging for their services. The legitimate volunteers are working to help the community recover and are not requesting any payment. The county has condemned the scam, describing it as an attempt to exploit vulnerable individuals who have already been affected by recent devastation.

Residents are urged not to give money upfront for any services, including those from contractors who may legitimately charge for work. It is advised that anyone hiring a contractor request a written estimate, refrain from paying in advance, and ask for a copy of the contractor’s local business license.

Lowndes County Emergency Management encourages residents who believe they have fallen victim to this scam to report it immediately to local law enforcement or contact the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at (229) 671-2790. Officials will continue to provide updates through the AlertLowndes system and the EMALowndes Facebook page.