When a major winter storm impacts an area, it’s not uncommon for problematic companies to capitalize on the situation. An impending wintry mix of snow and ice is expected to cause outages and other issues this weekend. The Better Business Bureau, Eastern Carolinas (BBB) is here to help you avoid opportunistic scammers and recover from the damage.
It is not unusual for contractors from various construction-related industries to offer assistance in mitigating ice damage and winter storm repair, it is important to do your research and hire companies you can trust.
“As we prepare for the impending winter storm, it is essential to keep recovery afterward in mind,” Mallory Wojciechowski, BBB President and CEO, said. “Research necessary services and avoid making hasty hires.”
BBB Tips for Avoiding Utility Scams:
-Prepaid debit cards and wire transfers are a red flag. If a caller specifically asks for payment by prepaid debit card, gift card, a digital wallet app, or wire transfer, this is a huge warning sign. Legitimate utility companies will often accept a check or credit card.
-Pressure to pay immediately. Utility scammers will press for immediate payment, typically within a short time frame under an hour, and may try high-pressure tactics to intimidate consumers into giving them personal and banking information.
-Call customer service. If you feel pressured for immediate action by an unknown caller, hang up the phone and call the customer service number listed on your actual utility bill. If the scammer provided you with a utility bill, it could be fake, so be sure to go back to a previous, real utility bill and confirm that the phone number you will be calling is correct. This will ensure you are speaking to a real representative from your utility company. Never give your personal or banking information to an unverified or unsolicited caller.
-Never allow anyone into your home unless you have scheduled an appointment or reported a problem. It is rare that a legitimate utility company will show up unannounced and demand entry into your home. Also, ask utility employees for proper identification before letting them enter.
BBB Tips for Hiring a Contractor Post-Storm:
-Check the track record. Gather information on potential contractors. Search for a contractor’s Business Profile on BBB.org.
-Get multiple quotes. Getting at least three written estimate bids allows comparison of warranty, specifications, labor, time, and overhead. Remember, the lowest bid for your remodeling project may not necessarily be the best bid; if one offer is significantly lower than the others, the contractor may be cutting corners or may not understand your work requirements. Alternatively, higher bids might include an emergency budget or even different tiers of service. Carefully consider the “why” behind these bids before making a final decision.
-Ask for references. Ask for at least three recent, local references from former customers. Images and videos of past work can also help inform your decision.
-Get everything in writing. Before you agree to a contract, get your estimate in writing, business contact information, targeted project timeline, detailed scope of work, costs, warranties and payment schedules, licensing, insurance, permits, termination clause, and dispute resolution clause. Read over everything thoroughly.
-Verify your contractor’s license and insurance. Ensure the company you select has the necessary licenses and insurance to work in your region; contact the state’s licensing agency to check. As for your contractor’s insurance information, call the carrier to confirm appropriate coverage for worker’s compensation, property damage, and personal liability. The last thing you want is to be on the hook for costs related to unforeseen circumstances or accidents.
-Use BBB’s Home HQ page for more tips on your home repair journey.
BBB Tips for Contacting Insurance:
-Notify your insurance agent. If you aren’t sure, find out what kind of homeowners’ insurance you carry. Depending on your insurance coverage, certain things may or may not be covered.
-Once a claim is filed, your agent will notify the insurance company, who will assign a claims adjuster. Expect a phone call from the adjuster to discuss the claim or to set up an appointment to inspect the damage. They will be processing many claims, so please be patient.
-Keep good records of all costs for repairs.
-Safely attempt to minimize your loss by removing personal property from any damaged area.
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Contributed article.
