Beware high-pressure sales tactics in the wake of Friday’s winds
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – If you’re cleaning up your property after Friday’s strong winds, The Better Business Bureau warns you to be on the lookout for storm-chasing scammers.
The BBB says that after almost every type of major weather event, out-of-town storm chasers prey on victims who begin repairing property damage.
The bureau advises you get at least four quotes from contractors to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
They also warn you to be wary of any contractor who demands full or half payment upfront. When property owners dole out payment early, out-of-town storm chaser scammers have been known to take off, only completing half – if any – of your repairs.
These types of scammers usually turn up the heat with high-pressure sales tactics, dropping a low quote on the table that’s only good if you buy now.
BBB Director of Strategic Marketing Whitney Adkins, “We know this is a stressful time, and if you’ve had damage to your property, of course you want to get it fixed quickly, but it’s better to take the time to do some research first so that you’re not finding that you’ve been scammed down the road.”
When you do decide to invest, the BBB recommends you sign a contract. Get all your contractor repair services in writing, lest worst comes to worst. Insist your payments be made to the company, not an individual person.
If you suspect a company may be price gouging necessary goods or services due to the area storm damage, report the business to BBB and the Attorney General’s office.
