ARDMORE, OK - Last week's storm left areas across Oklahoma damaged by ice and snow, and as many people try to clean up and move on, some con artists see a prime opportunity to make money off of others' misfortunes. Dara Downs has common scams you should look out for.

Officials are warning people tonight to be on the lookout for scammers from those offering you federal reimbursements for supplies to clean-up crews who want money up front to haul away debris. These scammers have one goal in common - to leave you with less money and an even bigger mess.

"People want to get it done people need to get it done. Some are elderly and unable to do it, some just have so much they can't get it done themselves you know they have to work. It's easier to hire somebody to do it and it provides them the opportunity," Sgt. Eric Hamblin of the Ardmore Police Department says.

With lots of debris left by last week's storm, many scammers are going door-to-door offering to clean up your yard or do simple home repairs.

Sergeant Eric Hamblin with the Ardmore Police Department says before hiring someone make sure you're getting what you're paying for.

"Don't pay money up front, pay them at the end of the job, once your satisfied that the job has been done then pay the money. Get receipts always keep your receipts some of this stuff is deductible on your taxes but you always want a money trail on how much you've spent," Hamblin says.

Governor Henry's emergency declaration allows all 77 Oklahoma counties to receive federal assistance and reimbursement from FEMA for storm-related expenses.

But Ardmore emergency management director Amber Wilson says that money will go toward city expenses, not individual bills.

"You know for overtime for road repairs where there's damage to the roads things like that. Individuals they're not going to see anything from FEMA," Wilson says.

Wilson says despite what some scammers might lead you to believe. You won't get any money back from the government for generators or tree removal.

"People with trees down in their front yard that's not going to keep people from living in their homes. It's just a mess they're going to have to clean up.

Sergeant Hamblin says if you have any questions about a company offering to do work for you, you can contact the Better Business Bureau, but if you do feel like you've been scammed you can file a report with the police department.