Consumers warned of post-storm scams
By From staff reports
Published in News on September 4, 2016 1:45 AM
North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper is warning consumers to be on the lookout for scams that could follow Tropical Storm Hermine.
"Those hit by storms can suffer again when scammers target families, businesses and communities working to recover from the damage," Cooper said. "Steer clear of scams by learning the warning signs, and report fraud to my office."
The majority of North Carolina contractors, tree removal companies and car repair shops are reputable businesses, and many local merchants pitch in to help their communities recover from severe weather. But some unscrupulous scammers travel to areas that have been hit by natural disasters to take advantage of consumers, Cooper warned.
On Thursday, Cooper put consumers and businesses on notice that North Carolina's price gouging law barring charging excessive prices in a time of disaster is in effect in 33 eastern counties. He also shared advice for vacationers whose Labor Day plans may be affected by the storm.
Cooper urged North Carolina residents to report scams and frauds to his office by calling toll-free 1-877-5-NO-SCAM within the state or by filing a consumer complaint at ncdoj.gov.
To avoid scams that follow storms:
*If the storm damages your property, contact your insurance company. Some insurance companies require an adjuster's approval before work can be done. Take pictures and videos of the damage, if possible. Cover holes in your roof or walls with a tarp to prevent additional damage if you can do so safely.
*Don't pay for work up front. Inspect the work and make sure you're satisfied before you pay. A small down payment may be required for some projects, but don't pay anything without getting a written contract. Avoid paying with cash. Use a check or a credit card instead.
*Beware of any contractor who tries to rush you or comes to your home to solicit work. If an offer is only good now or never, find someone else to do the work. Seek recommendations from friends, neighbors, co-workers and others who have had work done on their homes.
*Get three written estimates, if possible, and compare bids. Check credentials and contact the Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau to learn about any complaints against the contractor. Ask to get the contractor's certificate of insurance directly from their insurance company, not from the contractor. Before work begins, get a written contract detailing all work to be performed, costs and a projected completion date.
*For car repairs, shop around and compare written estimates. On major jobs, get a second opinion. If the mechanic recommends replacing parts, ask for the old parts back. You may get credit on some parts if the mechanic wants to keep them.
*Beware of charity scams that use disasters to make phony pleas for donations sound legitimate. If a caller refuses to answer your questions about the charity, offers to come to pick up a donation in person or calls you and asks for a credit card, bank account or Social Security number, it may be a scam. To report telemarketing fraud, call the Attorney General's Office. To check up on a charity, call the Secretary of State's office toll free at 888-830-4989.
Visit ncdoj.gov to file a consumer complaint with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division or to get tips on avoiding scams and bad business deals.