BBB warns of contractor scams after hail storm causes damage

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Scammers are targeting homeowners dealing with flooding, downed trees and vehicle damage after Wednesdays hail storm.

Ericka Dilworth with the Better Business Bureau is asking people to take a deep breath and be on the lookout for scammers.

“Unscrupulous contractors trying to take advantage of peoples emotions at this time,” Dilworth said.

They’re called storm chasers. People knock on doors claiming they want to help, offering tree removal and contracting services.

But they’re frauds trying to take advantage of homeowners and over promising fast results.

“It’s emotional right now and people have heavy damage to their home. But you wanna make sure you do your homework,” Dilworth said.

Steps to take to help decide if a company is legitimate include checking with the BBB to find out if they have any fraud complaints.

Contacting your city is also a good idea. They can tell you if they’re licensed to work in your area and if they have a permit.

“If the contractor is demanding cash be careful. You never would want to give more than a third maybe a half upfront and hold the rest of that payment back until the end of the job,” Dilworth said.

Dilworth also advises you to be wary of people asking you to sign a paper so that they can talk directly to your insurance company.

They could run off with your money without you knowing.

“Oh but if you pay me cash I’ll give you a discount. And that may be all fine and good but again once you give cash the cash is gone and you have no recourse,” Dilworth said.

Dilworth said people have lost anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to thousands because of storm chasers.

If you think you’ve been scammed, call your local police department and the BBB.