Beware of Storm Chaser Scammers
Thursday, July 25th, 2019 -- 10:16 AM
(WRN) -The state division of consumer protection is reminding you to keep alert for shady people offering fly by night home repairs in the wake of severe weather.The state division of consumer protection says travelling road crews are following last weekend's storms and are looking to make a quick buck. Spokesman Jerad Albract says that the scammers take advantage of people who are in immediate need of home repairs, and that people need to step back and try to take some time to think about what work needs to be done.
"They need to take their time before they make any time of agreements. Look into finding a local contractor before they have these crews do work on their property."
Albract says these so called 'storm chasers' like to follow in the wake of storms and scam people in desperate need for a contractor.
"We've already heard a couple of reports from Northern Wisconsin of a couple of travelling crews going around and looking to 'help people' with cleanup projects."
Albract says any fly by night company that just shows up at your house to do work should be taken very skeptically.
"Those companies can be problematic if they're taking your money and running or if they're doing some work that's really questionable or could even damage your property."
Albracht says any legitimate contractor will be happy to get you an actual contract and apply for permits to get your house repaired properly.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.