Houston authorities are warning area residents of a despicable plot to rob the homes of Hurricane Harvey victims.

Fox News reports that Houston officials have reported hearing of people posing as Homeland Security and telling people to evacuate their homes so they can rob them. There have also been reports of people posing as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

Residents are cautioned to verify the credentials of anyone knocking on their doors claiming to be representatives of a government agency.

“Real HSI officials wear badges that are labeled ‘special agent,’ which members of the public can ask to see and verify,” Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) said in a statement to Fox News.

“ICE officers with Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) also wear badges labeled with ERO Officer. They also carry credentials with their name and organization… Members of the public who receive such visitors should ask to see these properly labeled badges, and their credentials.”

HIS also noted that ICE has suspended all immigration enforcement during amid the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. Fox News reports that the city of Houston sent out a tweet in both English and Spanish assuring affected residents that they will not have to provide any evidence of their immigration status if they report to area shelters.

Feature photo: Associated Press