Two separate May 16 news stories reported that scam artists are attempting to take advantage of disaster victims in both Colorado and Ohio. While law enforcement is reaching out in a proactive attempt to limit these scams, so are insurance companies.
In Ohio, the Legal Newsline Legal Journal reported that the state’s Attorney General had issued warnings about contractors who were cropping up in the wake of recent storms. And, in Colorado, KOAA.com reported that contractor and charity scams were proliferating.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine issued a warning to Ohio residents after traveling contractors moved into the state. “After severe weather hits, it’s important to be vigilant about home improvement scams,” DeWine said. “Some contractors track storms so that they can travel to affected communities to offer their services to homeowners who experience damage. Unfortunately many of these ‘storm-chasers’ do not follow Ohio laws and do nothing to help consumers.”
El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa assured citizens that his department was taking steps to keep them safe from looters and burglars in a recent Black Forest Fire press conference. However, he also warned that scams were another danger that the citizens face.
Typically after a disaster, numerous organizations and individuals jump in quickly to aid those affected. However, while there are many good charities and contractors out there, there are others who seek to take advantage of people. When contacted about this article, Rebecca Hirsch, spokeswoman for USAA (usaa.com), a financial services provider for current and former members of the U.S. military and their families, provided some tips on how to avoid scams. “In one scam, fake charities are set up to solicit money from kind people hoping to help those affected by a catastrophe. The other often begins when someone poses as a contractor and approaches a homeowner offering to help with repairs or debris removal. They then offer to move the property owner to the top of the job list if the homeowner will pay money up front for supplies or labor needs. Unfortunately, once a work project is agreed upon and money is collected, the “contractor” disappears, leaving the homeowner swindled.”
Hirsch also provided tips for both those who want to help as well as homeowners. Her tips to avoid fake charities include:
• Don’t donate to door-to-door collectors or over the phone, where you can’t verify the charity’s or solicitor’s legitimacy.
• Be wary of unsolicited emails from unknown online charities asking for donations by using your credit card online. Donate only to online charities you know or trust.
• Before donating to a charity you’re not familiar with, always investigate it — start with the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, American Institute of Philanthropy or CharityNavigator.org.
• Just say no to high-pressure pitches.
Hirsch’s tips for making sure a contractor is legitimate, include the standard caution to require the contractor to produce his contractor’s license as well as identification and not paying up front. She noted that, “Legitimate contractors will bill upon completion of the job.” But, Hirsch also had a suggestion that will surely scare off any illegitimate contractors. “Take photos of your contractors and the license plates on their vehicles.” She also recommends that homeowners contact their insurance company before engaging a contractor.
Recent Comments