(RALEIGH) -- Attorney General Roy Cooper warned consumers to watch out for scams related to recent tornados and storms. He urged everyone to report suspicious activity to his office.

“Scammers use natural disasters and other tragedies to prey on desperate, unsuspecting victims,” said Cooper. "The vast majority of contractors, tree removal companies and car repair shops in North Carolina are good business people, and many local merchants pitch in to help their community recover from disaster. However, some unscrupulous people travel to areas that have been hit by natural disasters to take advantage of consumers."

Reports of possible scams or frauds should be reported to Cooper’s office by calling toll-free 1-877-5-NO-SCAM within the state or online at www.ncdoj.gov.