After a line of storms in the area overnight, and another round expected for parts of Michigan tonight, the Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan is warning consumers to be cautious when hiring others to assist with repair and cleanup from damages.
Power outages, storm debris and damage were left behind by last night’s storms. And as communities work to repair the damage, the Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan is warning consumers to watch out for scammers or what they call, “storm chasers”. Those who purposefully try to take advantage of people impacted by storms.
“This is a great time for community to come together, but it’s also a time for scammers to go door to door, offering clean up and repair services and instead of helping actually helping the victims who are already panicked, they just take the money and run.”
Katie Grevious is the Communications Specialist for the BBB Serving Western Michigan. She says they have a few tips for those who need help “after the storm.” She says to start, you should hire only licensed and insured contractors. She also says you shouldn’t take the first offer, get a multiple-bids, compare prices, do your research, never pay the full amount up front and never hire under pressure.
“You should never ever feel pressure, to make a decision right away. Usually if someone says you have to make a decision in the next two hours, usually that’s a sign that that’s a scam.”
Grevious says if you suspect a scam, you can contact them at BBB.org/scamtracker.
