The Better Business Bureau Serving Wisconsin is warning homeowners affected by natural disasters to beware of out-of-town contractors, or “storm chasers” soliciting business. Although not all storm chasers are scammers, they may lack the proper licensing for your area, offer quick fixes, or make big promises they can’t deliver. The BBB suggests homeowners get three estimates for repairs, get everything in writing, and pay with a credit card to prevent fraud.
The BBB is also warning businesses to beware of out-of-town individuals who offer to pay local construction companies substantial amounts of money to use the business’s established name, reputation, and phone. This allows con artists to masquerade as a local business, collect the insurance money and then move on, leaving the real business to deal with unsatisfied customers due to bad workmanship, unfinished work, or unfulfilled warranties.
