Storm Isaac ravaged the Gulf Coast a week ago. Sadly, he was just the beginning of the hurricane season. Sadly, these catastrophes also bring out a special breed of rip-off artist that preys the traumatized and financially-strained victims of the tragedies.
Devastation wanted with storm chaser
James Quiggle is a spokesman from the Coalition Insurance Fraud, a group of insurance companies, consumer groups and government agencies. He explained:
"They're called storm chasers, going town to town where disaster strikes to descend on traumatized homeowners and causing more problems than they fix. And they often prey on senior citizens."
And, according to Frank Scafidi of the National Insurance Crime Agency, they are increasing.
Asking for money
Much of the scamming contractors will leave without doing work, though some of them actually do the work. The only problem is that they do a terrible job and leave permanent damage that will not be covered by homeowner's insurance. It is always a bad sign when the contractor asks for money upfront before they complete the task.
Watch for ways around cons
-- Before letting anyone complete repairs, ask the Better Business Agency or your insurance agent for a list of approved contractors.
-- Ask to see a contractor's license.
-- Never let somebody work for you if they give you a P.O. box for an address or if they do not have a business card.
-- Deposits should never be more than 25 percent of the total estimated contract, and should not be paid until building materials are delivered to your home.
according to the East Baton Rouge Parish Department of Public Works interim director David Guillory:
"You really shouldn't be paying for work that's not done. If somebody says, 'Pay me half and I'm going to go get some other equipment,' or go get another crew or something, that should send a red flag up."
Looking at vehicles too
Following intense flooding, as often accompanies hurricanes, con artists with unauthorized automotive "chop shops" will snatch up all the totaled luxury automobiles they can for a song at insurance auctions. Then they will rebuild these automobiles with shoddy materials and craftsmanship and resell them on the auction circuit to unsuspecting consumers.
The automobiles break down a lot and turn into cash pits even though they will run well for a couple of months.
Get from the scam
Before getting any used car, whether from a lot, an individual or at an auction, conduct a pre-purchase inspection with a reputable mechanic. It is also wise to obtain a title history search report through a trusted business such as CARFAX.
Devastation wanted with storm chaser
James Quiggle is a spokesman from the Coalition Insurance Fraud, a group of insurance companies, consumer groups and government agencies. He explained:
"They're called storm chasers, going town to town where disaster strikes to descend on traumatized homeowners and causing more problems than they fix. And they often prey on senior citizens."
And, according to Frank Scafidi of the National Insurance Crime Agency, they are increasing.
Asking for money
Much of the scamming contractors will leave without doing work, though some of them actually do the work. The only problem is that they do a terrible job and leave permanent damage that will not be covered by homeowner's insurance. It is always a bad sign when the contractor asks for money upfront before they complete the task.
Watch for ways around cons
-- Before letting anyone complete repairs, ask the Better Business Agency or your insurance agent for a list of approved contractors.
-- Ask to see a contractor's license.
-- Never let somebody work for you if they give you a P.O. box for an address or if they do not have a business card.
-- Deposits should never be more than 25 percent of the total estimated contract, and should not be paid until building materials are delivered to your home.
according to the East Baton Rouge Parish Department of Public Works interim director David Guillory:
"You really shouldn't be paying for work that's not done. If somebody says, 'Pay me half and I'm going to go get some other equipment,' or go get another crew or something, that should send a red flag up."
Looking at vehicles too
Following intense flooding, as often accompanies hurricanes, con artists with unauthorized automotive "chop shops" will snatch up all the totaled luxury automobiles they can for a song at insurance auctions. Then they will rebuild these automobiles with shoddy materials and craftsmanship and resell them on the auction circuit to unsuspecting consumers.
The automobiles break down a lot and turn into cash pits even though they will run well for a couple of months.
Get from the scam
Before getting any used car, whether from a lot, an individual or at an auction, conduct a pre-purchase inspection with a reputable mechanic. It is also wise to obtain a title history search report through a trusted business such as CARFAX.
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