Video: Beware of Contractor Scams after a Storm
Most families have a safety plan to follow when severe weather strikes.
But when the sky clears and cleanup begins, don't let your guard down. Look out for shady contractors that may travel from state to state looking for vulnerable homeowners in desperate need of repair help. Watch out for those red flags and make smart hiring decisions even in a desperate time.
RELATED: Be Wary of Storm Chasing Contractors
Can't watch the video? Read the full transcript here:
Avoid storm-chaser scams
Most families have a safety plan to follow when severe weather strikes. But when the sky clears and cleanup begins, don’t let your guard down. Shady contractors often travel from state to state looking for vulnerable homeowners in desperate need of repair help.
How to steer clear of storm chasing contractors.
While many companies responding to help with storm cleanup and repairs have good intentions and do good work, Angie’s List warns you to be on alert.
Angie Hicks, Angie’s List founder: “A lot of times they have taken money and didn’t do the work, they did shoddy work or they are not standing behind it after the work is done.”
Red flag! Beware of the door-to-door contractor
Angie’s List cautions that unscrupulous contractors swoop into storm-damaged neighborhoods within days of severe weather, going door-to-door.
Hicks: “When it comes to storm season the worst stories we hear about are times when someone had storm damage and gets taken advantage of by a contractor. It’s important to understand who you are working with. You don’t want to make the situation worse. Once you’ve had a problem: had a storm come through, have tree damage, make sure you access it and do the same research you would when you are hiring a company under any circumstances.”
So how do you recognize these crooked contractors?
Hicks: “Watch for whether the company is local, they have marked trucks and vehicles, a local phone number because a lot of these projects that you are having done, roofing for example, is something you need to last a long time. It might come with a warranty as well. You want a company that is going to stand behind that work.”
Red flag! Pay me now in full
Other red flags include companies that demand full payment upfront and contractors who often try to strong-arm homeowners into signing a contract on the spot for a “discount.”
Angie’s List says a deal today should be a deal tomorrow.
