After summer storms ravaged portions of Wisconsin last week, scammers are on the move, trying to pressure some into fraudulent construction contracts.
What to watch out for:
- Check the license. Be sure the business has a license and check with the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been filed against the business.
- Pressure tactics. If someone wants you to sign up NOW for services, run. Legitimate business people will give you time to decide.
- Cash up front. Don’t pay The entire fee up front. Some contractors might want a deposit, but never hand out more than 1/3 of the total cost.
- Get estimates in writing. Don’t trust a verbal estimate. Also, get estimates from at least three companies before you hire.
- In Wisconsin, you get three days to cancel a contract. This only applies if you did not contact the business directly, according to the Kenosha News.
The Wisconsin BBB has more details on avoiding scams by storm chasers.
Sun, Jul 25, 2010
Blog, Fraud Alert