BBB WARNS: BEWARE POST-STORM REPAIR SCAMS

Scammers are creating their own epidemic of spam e-mails

5/12/2009

Lexington, KY - The Better Business Bureau of Central & Eastern Kentucky is warning homeowners in storm and flood-ravaged areas to beware of fly-by-night contractors that might take your money and make no repairs at all.

"Weather disasters like the tornado, high winds and flooding that have hit areas of central and eastern Kentucky can bring out the con artists who want to take advantage of people at a bad time," said Neil Kingery, President & CEO of the BBB of Central & Eastern Kentucky. "There are legitimate contractors who make themselves available to help people clean up and rebuild…the trick is telling the difference between them and the bad guys. We want people to start with trust and use the BBB to help find reputable companies."

"We urge homeowners to take advantage of the BBB's Accredited Business Referral lists available online and by fax or mail," said Kingery. "These industry-specific lists contain the names of BBB Accredited Businesses in the BBB's 64-county service area, which is a good place to begin gathering estimates. These businesses have been checked out and invited to become BBB Accredited. They have committed to ethical business practices and have promised to respond to customer complaints."

    The BBB offers these tips to property owners looking for ethical companies to repair damage:
  • Before hiring, check out the company report and rating with the BBB by calling (859) 259-1008 or 1-800-866-6668, or by logging on to www.bluegrass.bbb.org.
  • Get a list of BBB Accredited Businesses in the specific category you need. These lists are available on the website or by calling the BBB to have one sent to you.
  • Use BBB e-Quote to get estimates from BBB Accredited Businesses. Log on to www.bluegrass.bbb.org and click on the e-Quote icon. Choose the category you need, the manner in which you’d like to be contacted, and contractors in that category will automatically contact you, making it an easier process to get the service you need.
  • Get multiple estimates. When you hire, get a written contract (there's no such thing as a "verbal contract") outlining the materials to be used, the time frame in which the work is to be done and the payment schedule. Get any warranties in writing.
  • NEVER PAY THE ENTIRE AMOUNT UPFRONT.
  • Ask to see the contractor’s proof of proper workers' comp and liability insurance, and any required licensing.

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Contact the Better Business Bureau of Central & Eastern Kentucky to check out companies, charities, or to report scams by calling (859) 259-1008 or 1-800-866-6668 or log on to www.bluegrass.bbb.org.