Thousands of people were affected when nine tornadoes struck our area on Sunday night. While property owners sift through what’s left of their home, business, and belongings, they must also contend with scammers.
Fly-by-night door-to-door contractors were headed our way on Monday morning. While many offer reputable construction and cleanup services, a number of them do not. If someone comes to your home or business and offers to do repairs, check the following list:
- Do NOT be pressured into signing a contract right away. As we always say, time and questions are a scammer’s biggest enemies!
- Get more than one estimate. In fact, when you call your insurance adjuster, ask for their estimates on repair costs then compare those numbers to bids you receive.
- Get everything in writing and keep a copy of all If a transaction occurs at your home, a bid must give you the right to change your mind within three business days.
- Do not sign a contract with any blank spaces.
- Make sure the contractor has proof of insurance – including disability and workers’ compensation.
- If a contractor offers any guarantees, get them in writing.
- Be especially suspicious of “low-ball” estimates, or a refusal to leave a contract overnight so you have time to review it.
- Do NOT sign completion papers or make final payment until all the work is completed to your satisfaction.
In addition, according to the Texas Attorney General’s website, special laws apply if a contractor from another area is working here due to destruction caused by an emergency. “These emergency remediation contractors, with some exceptions, are NOT allowed to require payment before beginning work or even after work has begun if it exceeds an amount proportionate to the work performed.”
We have an enormous amount of sympathy for those affected by the tornadoes. We can understand the desire to get everything back to normal as soon as possible. But please, be diligent in protecting yourself and your money from unscrupulous door-to-door salespeople.
The Harris Firm has experience in dealing with contractors involved in unscrupulous activities after events such as the tornadoes that hit North Texas. If we can help with any problems encountered by a homeowner or business owner affected by the storms, please feel free to contact us at 214-956-7474.
