From Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland
Area consumers are still cleaning up tree limbs and other debris from recent storms. Over 400,000 residents lost power as the wind speeds topped 86 miles per hour. Many reported downed trees and flash flooding. With severe widespread property damage a concern, Better Business Bureau® Serving Greater Cleveland (BBB®) is warning area homeowners to beware of “storm chasers” and out-of-town contractors soliciting business. Although not all storm chasers are scammers, they may lack proper licensing and insurance, offer quick but inappropriate fixes, or make promises they can’t deliver on.
BBB is providing the following tips to avoid spring storm scams:
Remember the Basics – BBB recommends homeowners obtain three estimates for repairs, get everything in writing, and pay with a credit card when possible. Do not pay the entire contract price in advance. Find businesses you can trust on BBB.org.
Be Careful of Door-to-Door Contractors and Utility Workers – Ask for identification from any individual going door-to-door. Check the worker’s company vehicle for a business name and contact information. Write down their license plate number. If you are contacted by a contractor going door-to-door, verify with your city that they have a solicitor’s permit.
Contact Your Insurance Company – If your home or car suffered severe weather damage, ask your insurance company about policy coverage and specific filing requirements. Save all receipts for food, temporary lodging, or other expenses that may be covered under your policy. Your insurance company may also have recommended contractors.
Resist High-Pressure Sales – Some storm chasers use tactics such as the “good deal” you’ll only get if you hire the contractor on the spot. Sometimes unscrupulous contractors will also offer a deal on repairs citing they have “leftover material” from another job site. Disaster victims should never feel forced to make a hasty decision.
Don’t Sign Over Insurance Checks to Contractors – Obtain an invoice from the contractor and pay them directly. Don’t sign any documents that give the contractor any rights to your insurance claims. If you have questions, contact your insurance company or agent. Do not sign over a Power of Attorney to a contractor.
Get Everything in Writing – Don’t rely on verbal promises made by a contractor. Keep copies of contracts, service agreements, warranties, and receipts.
Don’t Panic about a Utility Call – Your utility company may make courtesy calls to remind you about an outstanding balance, but they will never call or email you to demand immediate payment under threats of a same-day shutoff or direct you to buy gift cards to pay your bill. If you suspect a scam or receive one of these phone calls, hang up and call your energy company directly.
More BBB resources are available here.
If you have spotted a scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. These reports can help others avoid falling victim to scams. Consumers can also visit the Scam Tracker website to view the latest reported scams in their neighborhood or across North America.
