Beware of Storm Chasing Repair Services

7/19/2010

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Beware of Storm Chasing Repair Services

BBB Warns Consumers to Keep Fly-by-Night Contractors from Flooding Their Wallets

Southfield, MI - Recent severe weather systems left many consumers and businesses in need of repair work on their homes and offices. BBB warns that, while many repair services and contractors have the best intentions in mind, others take advantage of desperate consumers and business owners in the aftermath of severe weather.

BBB offers the following Dos and Don'ts for selecting a reputable contractor:

Do:

· Check with BBB to find a reliable contractor. Many times scam artists flock to severe weather disasters and move on, making them difficult to trace.
· Get bids from at least three companies and ask for referrals.
· Agree to a price before work begins, be specific with all repairs to be made and make sure all expectations and promises are in writing.
· Call your insurance company before work begins to make sure all necessary procedures are followed according to your policy. If you do not follow your insurance company’s guidelines, you may be stuck with the entire bill. A common form of insurance fraud occurs when a contractor offers to overlook or pay a consumer’s deductible.

Don’t:

· Pay large sums of money up front, even just for materials. Arrange to pay upon delivery of the supplies and materials.
· Let payments get ahead of the work performed. Work with the company ahead of time to agree upon a timeframe to make payments that coincide with the progress of the project.
· Give into high-pressure sales techniques, such as, “the price is only good today.” Take your time to make an educated decision, especially if someone is soliciting jobs door-to-door.

To check the reliability of the company and find trustworthy businesses, visit BBB.

About BBB:
BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. BBB accomplishes this mission by creating a community of trustworthy businesses, setting standards for marketplace trust, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior.

Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB is the preeminent resource to turn to for objective, unbiased information on businesses and charities.

Contact BBB serving Eastern Michigan and the Upper Peninsulas at (248) 223-9400.
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