Milwaukee — Better Business Bureau (BBB) Wisconsin is offering tips following storms that moved through southeast and south central Wisconsin on Friday.
Natural disasters like tornadoes, storms, flooding, hail, and tree damage often bring out the best in people, as strangers reach out to help others in need. Unfortunately, the aftermath of a crisis also brings out contractors taking advantage of those who have already been victimized. BBB is warning homeowners affected by natural disasters to beware of “storm chasers” and out-of-town contractors soliciting business. Although not all storm chasers are scammers, they may lack the proper licensing for your area, offer quick fixes, or make big promises they can’t deliver.
There are some things you should do when hiring any contractor such as getting three estimates, obtaining a contract and getting everything in writing, and paying with a credit card for the most protection.
When hiring a contractor, also consider the following tips:
Contact your insurance company. Ask about your policy coverage and specific filing requirements. Save all receipts, including those for food, temporary lodging, or other expenses that may be covered under your policy. Your insurance company may also have recommended contractors. Take pictures and document any repair needs.
Resist high-pressure sales. Some storm chasers use tactics such as the “good deal” you’ll get only if you hire the contractor on the spot. Storm chasers canvass neighborhoods and go door-to-door. They may not be properly licensed or insured, may be using inferior materials and may be difficult to locate later if there’s a problem with their work. Disaster victims should never feel forced to make a hasty decision or to choose an unknown contractor.
Check references. Ask for at least three references and take time to call them to find out their experience with the company.
Be especially careful “storm chasers” and door-to-door contractors. Many municipalities require a solicitation permit if salespeople go door-to-door. Ask for identification. Check their vehicle for a business name, phone number, and license plates for your state. Be sure the contractor has a business card with legitimate contact information such as a valid address and phone number.
Don’t sign over insurance checks to contractors. Get an invoice from the contractor and pay them directly (preferably with a credit card, which offers additional fraud protection over other forms of payment). 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.
Be wary regarding places you can’t see. While most contractors abide by the law, be careful allowing someone you do not know to inspect your roof and other areas of your house. The same goes for attics, crawl spaces, ducts, and other places you cannot easily access or see for yourself.
For more information or further inquiries, contact the Wisconsin BBB at www.bbb.org/wisconsin, 414-847-6000 or 1-800-273-1002. Consumers also can find more information about how to protect themselves from scams by following the Wisconsin BBB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2021, people turned to BBB more than 200 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 6.3 million businesses and Charity Reports on 25,000 charities, all available for free at BBB.org. There are local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada and Mexico, including BBB Serving Wisconsin which was founded in 1939 and serves the state of Wisconsin.