JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The latest round of tornadoes has brought fresh warnings from the Missouri attorney general to watch out for scams and scammers.

Attorney General Chris Koster says people should beware of fake disaster officials; watch out for brokers who promise "guaranteed" loans from the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and never pay for home repairs upfront.

He also says people should be alert for charity scams and potential price gouging.

Koster's warnings come after tornadoes raked several towns across southern Missouri this week.

Last year, the attorney general's office pursued various scams and unfair business practices after the May tornado that killed 161 people in Joplin.