Contractor Fraud Consciousness Week is right here!
From July 12 via 16, the Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau (NICB) is highlighting the issue of contractors and distributors who make the most of catastrophe victims within the aftermath of catastrophes.
Hoping that weak householders are extra involved concerning the security of their household than they’re about going over a contract with a fine-tooth comb, some contractors and distributors could stress individuals into hiring them with slick gross sales pitches and suspiciously good costs.
After householders signal the contract, these fraudsters both full the work with shoddy supplies or, in the event that they had been capable of get the cash up entrance, skip city with out having accomplished the work in any respect.
Contractor fraud is a multi-billion-dollar downside and the NICB encourages householders to comply with the following pointers within the wake of a pure catastrophe:
1. If it’s too good to be true, it in all probability is! Crooked contractors lurk within the wake of hurricanes and hail hoping to catch householders off guard. Be suspicious of any contractor who approaches you within the aftermath of a storm and all the time name your insurance coverage earlier than having any repairs accomplished.
2. Let’s see some ID. Ask any contractor or salesperson for his or her driver’s license, their license plate, their state contractor’s license and proof of insurance coverage. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or search the Higher Enterprise Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed relating to the contractor.
3. Be a savvy shopper. Get estimates from a number of contractors earlier than having any repairs accomplished. Pushy salespeople usually stress you into signing instantly, however by taking your time and weighing your choices, you will get high quality work accomplished for the very best worth attainable.
4. Learn the fantastic print. Be sure any contract you’re signing consists of EVERYTHING in writing. The price of the work, time schedules, cost schedules, ensures, work to be accomplished and different expectations ought to all be detailed. Hold a watch out for any clean areas. Shady contractors can fill these in after you signal!
5. Good contractors present their work. Don’t signal a contract that requires you to pay for the work earlier than it’s accomplished. This enables fraudsters to take your cash and skip city with out doing the work.
For extra info on contractor fraud and how one can keep away from being a sufferer, go to the Contractor Fraud Consciousness Week web page on the NICB web site.
For those who or somebody you recognize has been the sufferer of contractor fraud or you’ve got seen contractors and distributors canvassing residential areas hit by a disaster, name NICB at 800.TEL.NICB or fill out their on-line kind.
Content material courtesy of the Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau (NICB).
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