ATLANTA -- Wild weather can bring disastrous results - and that's exactly what storms left in Georgia overnight. But the Better Business Bureau is warning homeowners not to become a victim a second time.
The organization is warning of "storm chasers" who might suddenly be available to offering help that seems too good to be true. According to the BBB, some of these people are scammers who wait for a big storm and move in with substandard work - or even plans to take your money.
These schemers may ask for full payment in advance for a job over $5,000 and ask homeowners to sign a contract that allows the contractor to negotiate with the homeowners' insurance company directly.
"If this is done, your entire insurance check could go to the contractor, regardless of the quality or quantity of work completed," the BBB said in a statement to the public.
These groups may also try to offer a local contractor substantial amounts of money to use their business name, reputation or local contact information so that they can masquerade as that business. They then collect insurance money and leave the local business to pick up the pieces.
Storm damage and Severe weather on March 19
The BBB has shared a list of tips to find a trustworthy contractor including:
- Check with your insurance company. Ask about policy coverage and how to file a claim as soon as possible. Make temporary repairs that may be necessary and keep receipts.
- Confirm a company is legitimate. To check out a business with BBB, visit bbb.org for basic company information and complaint history. If a license is needed, be sure to check with Georgia’s Secretary of State Office to ensure the company has the proper license and is current.
- Obtain 3-4 quotes. A storm chaser will try to pressure you into making an immediate decision. Don't fall for it. In addition, ask for references from past customers and make sure these references are at least a year old.
- Get everything in writing. The contract should include a written description of the work and the price of labor and materials. Confirm the contract includes the company's name, address and contact information and the Federal Trade Commission's Cooling Off Rule is listed.
- Don't make final payment until the work is done. Beware of promises to return and take care of final details. It may be difficult to get the company to return once the job is paid in full. Request a receipt marked "paid in full" once final payment is made.
