Now that Green County has been declared a disaster area by the Federal Emergency Management Association, residents are eligible for aid from the federal government.
Unfortunately, residents also are susceptible to a more negative byproduct of natural disaster - scams.
Home and business owners should be aware of the potential for scams involving fraudulent contractors who promise much more than they actually deliver.
Here are some tips to avoid flooding repair scams:
• Don't rush into repair work.
• If fraud is suspected, call the Wisconsin Office of Privacy Protection at (800) 422-7128.
• Contact the local police department when fraud is suspected.
• Screen contractors. Call your Better Business Bureau.
• Ask to see proof of necessary licenses, building permits and a certificate of insurance covering liability and workers' compensation.
• Make sure your signature on a bid is not an authorization to start work.
• Get contracts in writing.
• Make periodic payments. For example, pay 20 percent down to start work, and additional payments as work progresses.
• Make sure repairs are done according to local building codes.
• Don't make a final payment until the job is finished and you are satisfied with it.
• Have the contractor sign a release of lien when the work is finished and paid for, protecting you from any legal claims later.
• Don't sign over an insurance settlement to a contractor.
Having to repair flood damage is stressful enough. Don't complicate matters by not checking out contractors you hire. Do your homework.
Unfortunately, residents also are susceptible to a more negative byproduct of natural disaster - scams.
Home and business owners should be aware of the potential for scams involving fraudulent contractors who promise much more than they actually deliver.
Here are some tips to avoid flooding repair scams:
• Don't rush into repair work.
• If fraud is suspected, call the Wisconsin Office of Privacy Protection at (800) 422-7128.
• Contact the local police department when fraud is suspected.
• Screen contractors. Call your Better Business Bureau.
• Ask to see proof of necessary licenses, building permits and a certificate of insurance covering liability and workers' compensation.
• Make sure your signature on a bid is not an authorization to start work.
• Get contracts in writing.
• Make periodic payments. For example, pay 20 percent down to start work, and additional payments as work progresses.
• Make sure repairs are done according to local building codes.
• Don't make a final payment until the job is finished and you are satisfied with it.
• Have the contractor sign a release of lien when the work is finished and paid for, protecting you from any legal claims later.
• Don't sign over an insurance settlement to a contractor.
Having to repair flood damage is stressful enough. Don't complicate matters by not checking out contractors you hire. Do your homework.
