Authorities Warn Blue Cut Fire Victims To Watch Out For Scammers

SAN BERNARDINO (CBSLA.com) — In the heart of the Blue Cut Fire burn zone volunteers are trying to help heal some very fresh wounds.

Cindi McMillan is with a local church. She and other volunteers set a stand along highway 138, handing out water, food, tools  and sometimes just hugs.

As if losing a home wasn't enough, now scammers are moving in to profit from the aftermath. Authorities are warning everyone about imposters posing as contractors, insurance agents – and some crooks are even making calls pretending to be Cal Fire staff, asking for money to help those affected by the fires.

"It's horrible.  I can't believe people would do that when people have been through such tragedy," McMillan said.

Brian Shores' home was reduced to ash and rubble and he says he has seen people driving around looting and rummaging through stuff.

"People here have been victimized enough by the fire," Shores said.  "I think it's terrible someone would try and capitalize on their loss already."