Watch out for scammers.
Sheriff Ramsey Bennett gave that word of caution for residents as they begin the process of making repairs to homes damaged by Hurricane Helene.
“I urge our folks to do their homework, consult with their insurance agents, take their time and make price comparisons. Don’t fall victim to scammers,” he said.
When bad storms cause widespread damage to homes, criminals may try to exploit the disaster. These scam artists, often referred to as “storm chasers,” may ask homeowners for up-front payments for home repair services and then disappear without ever doing the work. In other cases, scammers may charge exorbitant prices for tree removal, charge for unnecessary repairs or do substandard work.
The sheriff gave these guidelines to help residents avoid scammers.
• Steer clear of any contractor who asks for full payment upfront, only accepts payment in cash or refuses to provide you with a written contract.
• Avoid door-todoor offers for home repair work. Instead, ask friends and neighbors for referrals.
• Be skeptical of any contractor that offers to pay your insurance deductible or offers other no-cost incentives, as these can be signs of a scam. Always talk to your insurance company before committing to any storm-related repairs or inspections.
• Ask contractors for references and check them out. Legitimate contractors should be able to provide a business license, general liability insurance, workers compensation insurance, written manufacturer warranties and written labor warranties.
