NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — While many are continuing to clean up from the aftermath of severe storms, some dishonest workers could be trying to take advantage of the situation.
It's an unfortunate reality that often happens after disasters.
“Scammers prey on our emotions,” said Robyn Householder, President & CEO of Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. “When we’re overwhelmed and uncertain, especially when it comes to our homes, fraudsters see an opportunity to take our money and even steal our identity.”
Householder suggests for homeowners to review their insurance policies first to understand what’s covered before committing to any repairs.
Once a claim is approved, it’s crucial to obtain multiple estimates and compare costs before deciding.
Watch out for these red flags in the aftermath of natural disasters:
- High-pressure sales tactics urging immediate decisions
- Contractors demanding upfront payments
- Businesses without a verifiable local address
- Door-to-door salespeople offering deals that seem too good to be true
- Unsolicited calls or texts requesting financial information
To file a licensure violation complaint about a contractor or home improvement company with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, visit the Board’s website. To file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Affairs about deceptive business practices, visit www.tn.gov/consumer.
To find reputable contractors, visit BBB.org and check a company’s reputation before hiring. If you’ve encountered a scam, report it at BBB.org/ScamTracker to help protect others.
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- Carrie Sharp
