Don’t get scammed by predatory businesses: BBB tips for after a fire
By Whitley Ray and Timothy Johnston
As evacuees return to their homes and begin to assess the damage after a wildfire, one of the biggest questions on their minds might be how to rebuild. Although there is usually an outpouring of support and generosity from the public after a tragedy, unethical businesses may also emerge to try to take advantage of those recovering.
It’s important for those with damaged homes or property to do their research when hiring a business. In 2017, consumers nationwide filed more than 5,000 combined complaints against both remodel and repair contractors and general contractors with BBB. Complaints frequently involved workers doing a shoddy job and consumers having trouble getting their problems resolved.
The following BBB tips will help victims rebuild and recover.
Watch out for storm chasers and home improvement scams
According to the BBB Risk Index, home improvement scams are in the top 10 most risky scams to consumers. In 2017, 18.9 percent of scam victims reported losing money, and the median loss was $1,255. Unfortunately, consumers in disaster zones may see a surge in “storm chasers” looking to make money off of their misfortune. Consider it a red flag if a worker shows up on your doorstep unannounced without identification, someone offers a “too good to be true” deal or uses high-pressure sales tactics, a worker claims they just finished a job down the street and has leftover materials, the contractor doesn’t have a permanent place of business, the worker claims to be FEMA-certified, or if anyone asks for personal information like bank account or Social Security numbers. Visit bbb.org/homescam to learn more.
Check with your insurance
As soon as you can, call your insurance provider and ask about policy coverage and specific filing requirements. Take pictures of the damage, and make sure to save all receipts, including those for food, temporary lodging, or other expenses that may be covered under your policy.
Take your time
Although you may be anxious to get things back to normal, avoid letting your emotions get the better of you. Don’t be pressured into making an immediate decision with a long-term impact. Be proactive in selecting a business and not reactive to sales solicitations. Make temporary repairs if necessary. Don’t rush into decisions, and don’t automatically hire the first contractor who comes along.
Make sure they’re licensed
Check appropriate agencies to see if a contractor is licensed with Utah’s Department of Professional Licensing or Nevada’s State Contractors Board. Ask for proof of insurance from the contractor and verify.
Other tips for hiring a contractor
Never pay in full up front. Stagger your payments so that your final payment is not due until the work is complete and you have fully inspected it. Do not pay cash; make sure your check is written to a company, not an individual, or that you use a credit card.
What to do if you have a problem
If you’re having issues with your contractor and despite your efforts they can’t be fixed, you have resources. File a complaint with your BBB at bbb.org/complain. It’s also wise to contact Utah’s Department of Professional Licensing or Nevada’s State Contractors Board. To report home improvement scams, or any other type of scam, visit the BBB Scam Tracker at bbb.org/scamtracker.
For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. In 2017, people turned to BBB more than 160 million times for BBB business profiles on more than 5.2 million businesses and charity reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org.
There are local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, including BBB serving northern Nevada and Utah.
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