How scammers target homeowners after storms

PORTAGE, Mich. (WOOD) — As residents work to sort through the damage and clean up after Tuesday’s storms, local builders and the Better Business Bureau are warning people to be aware of scams.

If your home was damaged, make sure you have a clear head as you assess the damage and work to bring things back to normal, said Katie Grevious, marketing and community relations manager for the BBB of Western Michigan.

“Every time we have some sort of major storm or disaster, we are always seeing these bad companies and these scam artists coming out door-to-door offering their services,” she said. “Sometimes they’re manipulating insurance companies, sometimes they’re taking directly from the home owners.”

She explained that often, the scammers or bad actors will offer work at low prices. But after they’re paid, they’ll do shoddy work — if they do the work at all.

“It’s really important that you’re vigilant now so you don’t have to wait years to get some sort of restitution or have to pay again to get the same work done while you wait, especially if it is in an emergency,” Grevious said.

She advised homeowners who are dealing with damage should first call their insurance company, which can walk you through what your policy covers and may have some businesses it would prefer you work with.

When looking for a contractor, watch for red flags like offering deals that are too good to be true, pressuring you to make a quick decision or reaching out to you on social media.

Grevious said get multiple quotes to see what something typically costs.

“If somebody’s offering those services at a way lower price, there’s usually something else attached,” she said. “They may not show up to do the work or that work may not be to your satisfaction and the quality that it deserves.”

Google the company’s name, she said, to make sure they exist and don’t have bad reviews. For services like roofing, siding and cement work, ask for their license number and look it up at Michigan.gov.

Once you’ve picked a contractor, make sure you get everything in writing and understand the work they’ll be doing before you sign anything. That can help resolve issues further down the road, Grevious said.

The Home Builders Association of Western Michigan in a release echoed the warning, saying to get a clearly written contract and to not pay cash upfront.

“Unfortunately, unscrupulous contractors show up after storms, and try to take advantage of homeowners to get them to pay for below-average work or worse, they may not ever show up,” Aaron Hovestadt, the organization’s CEO, said in the release. “Before you hire a contractor, please make sure to do your homework.”

The HBA of Western Michigan recommends giving it a call for a list of vetted contractors.

“We want to make sure that you can get the work you need done, and you can go back to living your life as normal as possible and as quickly as possible,” Grevious said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.