BBB of Greater Houston & South Texas

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Post-Disaster Scams torchbar.gif - 9883 Bytes

Post-Disaster Scams

The damage caused by natural disasters such as fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and blizzards can often bring out the best in people, as strangers reach out to help others in need. Unfortunately, the aftermath of a crisis also brings out individuals who take advantage of those who have already been victimized. Some of the most common "after-disaster" scams involve home repairs, clean-up efforts, heating and cooling equipment, and flood-damaged cars. The Better Business Bureau has the following advice for consumers:

Check with your insurance company about policy coverage and any specific filing requirements the company may have.
Although you may be anxious to get things back to normal, avoid acting in haste. Don't be pressured into signing a long-term contract. Make temporary repairs if necessary.
For major permanent repairs, take time to shop around for contractors, get competitive bids, check out references, and get a report from the BBB.
Be wary of door-to-door workers who claim your home is unsafe. If you are concerned about possible structural damage in your home, have an engineer, architect, or building official inspect it.
Prepare a written agreement with anyone you hire. It should delineate the work to be done, the materials to be used, and the price breakdown for both labor and materials. Review it carefully before signing. Never pay for all repairs in advance, and don't pay cash.
When seeking the services of a cleaning and restoration firm, remember that flood-soaked carpets can be saved but must be professionally sanitized at the cleaning firm's plant. Any furniture that has been completely submerged in flood water will need to be re-upholstered or refinished.
Thoroughly clean out mud and residual material from heating and cooling units and let the units dry out before determining whether the equipment is functional or needs repairs.
When shopping for a used car, watch for flood damage. Closely examine the vehicle for rust, mud, water marks, discolored upholstery, mismatched carpet, or a musty odor.