Area authorities are warning those needing repairs after Friday’s storm to be careful not to fall prey to scam artists.
Home repairs can be more costly than you think if you fall for a scam.
“What we usually see is people give the money up front and never see or hear from the company again,” said Fremont Lt. Detective Greg Chamberlain. “Do a background check with prior references and pay when the work has been completed and inspected. Never pay cash up front.”
He said no reports of scams have been filed yet.
Alan Hale, president of the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, said his office can be a good resource for people trying to get their homes repaired.
“They can always call us and we can tell them if the company is legit, whether (the construction company) is a member or not,” Hale said. “We’d rather have them do that than make a mistake.”
He said the Chamber also contracts with the Omaha Better Business Bureau and if there is a question about a company outside the area, residents can be referred there.
“Generally we know most of the local companies unless they’re small and just started,” Hale said.
The BBB can also help people who have already been victimized by the weather not be victimized again.
“Whenever there is a major natural disaster, there are two things you can count on. The first is the generosity of a community’s citizens to donate time and money to help victims. The second is the appearance of poorly run and in some cases fraudulent businesses or charities,” said Jim Hegarty, president and CEO of the Omaha Better Business Bureau. “Not only do donors need to be concerned about avoiding fraud, they also need to make sure their money goes to competent relief avoiding fraud, they also need to make sure their money goes to competent relief organizations that are equipped and experienced to handle the challenges of providing assistance to these victims.”
He warned that people need to be especially aware of home repair companies that swoop into storm ravaged neighborhoods promising cheap rates. High pressure pitches can leave homeowners believing they must an immediate decision.
“A good contractor will give you a written estimate,” Chamberlain said. “Most established businesses have more work than they need right now and are not going door to door.”
He also said your insurance company should be able to help and that if the insurance company’s trained adjuster says you have $25,000 in damage and a company promises to fix the damage for $5,000, be wary.”
He said if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
A rushed deal isn’t a good thing either.
“If they want you to sign today, that’s not a good sign,” Hale said. “They want the money and then they run.”
For help from the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce call 721-2641 or contact the Better Business Bureau at 391-7612 or visit www.bbb.org.
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