Since the latest flooding deluge, leaders in affected communities are warning citizens to not get taken by unscrupulous contractors or bogus insurance adjusters who claim to be legitimate.
Residents have been advised to be leery of people going door-to-door offering help and seeking business, and to check the credentials of anyone before hiring anyone.
Local police have warned that people posing as insurance adjusters have approached flooding victims and claimed to be there to assess the damage. The “adjuster” might examine a property and even take a few pictures, then ask for a “deductible payment” to “expedite the processing.”
A real insurance company adjuster will not ask for or accept payment from a homeowner, so this should be a red flag to anyone.
Local officials have said anyone who encounters this should call their local police or building department—and to make sure any contractors they deal with have their appropriate local or state licenses.
“There will be dishonest businesses that will exploit the situation and try to scam homeowners and businesses that are in need of making repairs,” Steve J Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois, said in a statement. “While there may be a sense of urgency, we encourage consumers and business owners to carefully consider repair contracts and not rush into making expensive decisions that can aggravate an already stressful time.”
The BBB is offering tips for those whose homes or businesses have been damaged by floods or heavy rain:
• Do research – contact the BBB before hiring a contractor and avoid businesses who come to the door with a good deal. Free estimates, proposals or general information from BBB Accredited contractors can be found at its Request a Quote site.
• Local BBB Accredited contractors can be found at www.bbb.org
• Request bids from two or three different companies.
• Base all bids on the same criteria.
• Don’t automatically pick the lowest bid.
• Do not give into demands to make excessively large down payments.
• Don’t make full payment until all the work satisfactorily completed.
• Determine whether the contractor has the proper insurance.
• Ask to see any required state or local permits or licenses.
• Work with contractors who have a verifiable track record.
• Homeowners should check with local and county units of government to determine if permits or inspections are required.
• Get all estimates in writing.
