Five Tips to Avoid Storm-Chaser Scams

SHAZAM BLOG

According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, more than 500 tornadoes have been spotted across the U.S. since April. Whether it’s a tornado, flood or other natural disaster, when severe weather strikes, it often brings out the best in people — neighbors checking on each other and communities rallying to rebuild together.  

Unfortunately, natural disasters can also bring out the worst in criminals looking to take advantage of homeowners dealing with the aftermath of a storm. These scammers may take unsuspecting victims’ money without completing the job or do sub par work, leaving homeowners with another mess to clean up. 

Below are five tips to help you avoid scammers looking to make a profit from those recovering from storm-related property damage. 

1. Don’t pay upfront. Be wary of contractors or service providers demanding full payment upfront or asking for a large deposit before starting work. Never sign insurance checks or rights to your insurance claim over to a contractor. Additionally, keep in mind that FEMA doesn’t charge application fees. If someone wants money to help you qualify for FEMA funds, it’s a scam. 
    
2. Verify your insurance coverage. Don’t rely on a contractor to tell you what your homeowners insurance policy does or doesn’t cover. Contact your insurance company or broker directly to understand the terms of your policy yourself. Your insurance company may have recommended contractors or specific requirements to follow. 
    
3. Be skeptical. Unlicensed contractors and scammers often flock to communities impacted by significant weather events. While legitimate contractors may visit neighborhoods affected by storms, scammers also use this tactic. If someone shows up uninvited to your home offering their repair services, research the individual or company before allowing them to do any work on your home.  
    
4. Check credentials. Scammers often claim they don’t need to be a licensed contractor to do repair work on homes, but it’s best to only hire contractors who are both licensed and insured. Check with your state or county government to confirm the contractor’s license is valid and ask for proof of insurance. Before engaging with any service provider, make sure to verify their credentials, ask for references and vet them on trusted online review sites, such as the Better Business Bureau.   
    
5. Don’t rush. Anyone promising immediate cleanup or using high-pressure tactics after a storm is likely a scammer. Another red flag is contractors offering discounts for signing an electronic contract within an expedited time frame.  

Resources:

Federal Trade Commission

Better Business Bureau