Authorities in southwest Iowa are warning residents to be cautious about phone calls and visits from persons offering home repairs, following the recent storms and heavy rain. The caller or person who comes knocking on your door may claim they represent the insurance company that handles your homeowner’s insurance.

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office says if you do not know the caller, and/or question the reputability of the person you speak with, ask for your claim number and call your local insurance agent directly to verify the legitimacy of the call or visit.

Residents are also cautioned to be careful if you are asked to sign a contract to complete the work, and the contractor will file with your insurance company. Insurance companies provide their own insurance adjustors to handle an estimate and will provide you with a copy. Fraudulent operators will often ask for money in advance, then fail to perform as promised.

You’re also asked to report and fraudulent activity to your local law enforcement agency.

Police in Red Oak report the arrest Thursday evening of 23-year old Michael Eugene Sickels. The Red Oak man was taken into custody on a warrant for Trespassing, at around 5:45-p.m.  Following his arrest in the 100 block of west Coolbaugh Street, Sickels was brought to the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Center and later released on $300 bond.