We've all
heard these stories and seen the images. When a natural disaster hits a
community, friends, neighbors and charities rush in to help. It always warms
the heart to see the outreach in services and donations. And yet … there’s that
other side of the response. There are selfish people who try to take advantage
of a bad situation and use the natural disaster as an opportunity to scam.
Often during
these times, law enforcement agencies make announcements about what you should
and should not look for when hiring someone to work on your home. People become
aware, alert. And yet … scam artists come into communities and neighborhoods
even when our fellow citizens are warned to be hyper-vigilant, even when the
skies are blue, and the wind is calm, and the weather is perfect.
In other
words, contractor scams get more attention during natural disasters, but they
can occur at anytime, anyplace. And that means right here in New Brighton. Oh,
I don’t mean to scare you about any particular situation. I’m not reporting
news, just tendencies. I’m talking about possibilities that call for wise
practices. For example, here are some of the tips the Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) recommends for hiring someone to work on your home:
- Get recommendations from friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers,
insurance agents or claims adjusters.
- Deal only with licensed and insured contractors. Check with the
local Better Business Bureau and Home Builders Association to see if
complaints have been lodged against any contractor you’re considering.
- Get a written estimate that includes any oral promises the
contractor made. Remember to ask if there’s a charge for an estimate
before allowing anyone into your home.
- Take your time about signing a contract. Ask for explanations for
price variations, and don’t automatically choose the lowest bidder.
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