The family of a Beaufort County woman who authorities say was ripped off by those hired to do hurricane repairs, is speaking out so the same thing doesn't happen to others.

Jeff Centner doesn't want to reveal the identity of his 76-year-old mother-in-law from Belhaven, but does want to tell her story.

Centner says his mother-in-law actually hired Anthony and Stephanie Callahan of New York from Craigslist to do construction work before Hurricane Irene hit. He says the two were living with his mother-in-law.

When the hurricane damaged the woman's home all three went to a Washington Motel to stay.

Centner says it was then that they suspected something was wrong.

Police say the Callahan's stole at least $15,000 thousand dollars worth of items and cash from the woman, including a diamond ring.

Police in Albany, New York arrested the Callahan's as they got off a bus.

Police say they did recover the ring and some cash.

Centner has this advice for anyone hiring people for work around their home, do your homework on them first and do a background check.