How to Avoid Post-Disaster Scams
Iowa is no stranger to storm damage, and Iowans need to be on the alert for fraudsters wanting to take advantage of them during hard times. With many insurance adjusters going door-to-door evaluating storm damage, it can be difficult to distinguish sincerity from a scam. Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your neighbors with the following tips:
Your insurance company is here to help: Don’t let a shady contractor overcharge you. Your insurer or insurance company representative will inspect any storm damage and give you an estimated cost of repairs. This will also make it easier to file an insurance claim that can cover some of the repair expenses.
Do your research: Make sure that you’re hiring a licensed contractor who has passed competency exams. Check online reviews and get written estimates from at least three different contractors before settling on one. And remember, reputable businesses will not ask for money upfront, nor push you into making a hasty decision.
Get it in writing: A verbal agreement and a firm handshake won’t hold up in court. Protect your finances by getting contracts in print. The contract should include every repair and task that the contractor will be making, including the timeline of the repairs and the costs of the materials needed.
Repairs shouldn’t be temporary: Do not trust contractors who want you to spend an excessive amount of money on temporary repairs. Remember, if the fix is temporary, then it’s not fixed. Save yourself the additional costs of quick fixes that are made to fall apart.
Don’t pay upfront: Reduce the risk of being cheated by paying in installments instead of paying the whole cost upfront. You should only pay the minimal amount necessary to indicate good faith and intention to pay the full amount after the repairs are done.
Hold bad actors accountable: If you or someone you love has been swindled, report them before they take advantage of someone else. The Iowa attorney general’s consumer hotline is 1-888-777-4590, or you can make a confidential report to FEMA’s Inspector General’s Office at 1-800-323-8603.
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