Storm chaser scams: How Ohioans can avoid scam contractors after tornado damage
With this week's severe weather, many throughout central Ohio are dealing with property damage from high winds and tornadoes.
On Thursday, the National Weather Service confirmed that an EF2 tornado struck Malaga Township in Monroe County, bringing the total number of confirmed tornadoes in Ohio to six, The Dispatch previously reported.
Four of the tornadoes struck central Ohio, and with tornadoes comes inevitable property and home damage. But there is another unfortunate impact following extreme weather events — "storm chaser" scam artists looking to prey on homeowners for their insurance money.
If your home was recently damaged in the storm, here's tips how you can avoid scams:
Photos: Tornadoes cause damage as severe weather hits the Columbus area
What is a storm chaser scam?
According to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's office, storm chasing scams are when contractors travel to communities affected by severe weather and offer their services to homeowners who experience damage, such as downed trees or roof damage.
In many cases, they tell homeowners they can complete the work immediately, and may ask for a large down payment or for homeowners to sign over their insurance checks.
Ultimately, they do shoddy work or no work at all. Then they're gone.
How can you avoid storm chaser scams after severe weather?
According to the Better Business Bureau, here are a few tips you can consider when approached by contractors offering damage repairs:
Contact your insurance company: Ask about your policy coverage and specific filing requirements. Your insurance company may also have recommended contractors.
Do your research: Find businesses you can trust on BBB.org or other reliable websites. You can also check with your local government for licensed contractors, or get references from friends, relatives and neighbors.
Resist high-pressure sales: Some storm chasers use tactics such as the supposed good deal t hey offer homeowners — but only if you hire on the spot, according to the BBB. Disaster victims should not feel forced to make a hasty decision or to choose an unknown contractor, and should proactively consider all options available to them. Consider getting multiple estimates.
Be especially careful of door-to-door contractors: Ohio requires a solicitation permit if salespeople go door-to-door, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce. Ask for identification.
Don’t sign over insurance checks to contractors: The BBB recommends you get an invoice from the contractor and pay them directly with a credit card, which offers additional fraud protection. Additionally, never sign any documents giving the contractor rights to insurance claims — if you have questions, ask your insurance agent.
Be wary regarding inspections on places you can’t see: Be careful allowing someone you do not know to inspect your roof and other areas of your house because an unethical contractor may create damage to get work.
@Colebehr_report
Cbehrens@dispatch.com
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio weather: How to avoid storm damage scams after tornadoes, severe weather
