American Property Casualty Insurance Association: Don’t Get Scammed Following the Storm

BOSTON, Massachusetts, Oct. 30 (TNSOps) — The American Property Casualty Insurance coverage Affiliation issued the next information launch:

As residents transfer ahead with the clean-up and rebuilding course of following the Nor’easter that just lately ripped by New England, the American Property Casualty Insurance coverage Affiliation (APCIA) urges them to make use of warning in hiring a contractor and to be careful for scams and different fraudulent exercise.

“Following a pure catastrophe, it’s regular to be in a rush to start making repairs, however we encourage individuals to take the time to examine the credentials of the companies and people they’re contemplating hiring to restore their property,” mentioned Frank O’Brien, vice chairman for APCIA. “Whereas the overwhelming majority of contractors are sincere and above-board, because the rebuilding course of will get underway, unlicensed contractors and rip-off artists could also be trying to money in on the misfortune. Shoppers can save plenty of time, cash and frustration by taking the time to examine references, signal a transparent contract and pay as work is accomplished on the house.”

* There are sources obtainable to help shoppers in the event that they expertise value gouging, dwelling restore scams or charitable giving fraud. If you happen to suspect fraudulent exercise you should definitely contact the Massachusetts Legal professional Basic’s client hotline at (617) 727-8400. It’s also possible to confirm a house enchancment contractor’s registration on-line on the Massachusetts Workplace of Shopper Affairs and Enterprise Regulation’s web site.

If you happen to reside in Rhode Island and suspect fraudulent exercise, you should definitely contact the Rhode Island Legal professional Basic’s Shopper Safety Unit at (401) 274-4400 or the Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board.

APCIA urges owners to observe these “Do’s & Don’ts” when hiring a contractor:

Do’s:

* Be suspicious of any contractor who tries to hurry you, particularly on non-emergency or non permanent repairs.

* Store round for a contractor by getting suggestions from pals and neighbors. Be cautious of anybody knocking in your door providing unsolicited repairs to your property. FEMA doesn’t endorse restore contractors.

* All the time examine the work and be sure to are happy earlier than you pay the contractor.

* Get three written estimates for the work and evaluate bids. Verify credentials with the Higher Enterprise Bureau or state legal professional normal’s workplace to see if the agency has any excellent complaints.

* All the time have a written, detailed contract that clearly states every thing the contractor will do, together with costs for labor and supplies, clean-up procedures, and estimated begin and end dates.

DON’Ts:

* By no means pay for work up entrance. Do not rent a contractor that requires all funds earlier than work is accomplished. Most contractors would require an inexpensive down cost on work, however do not pay something till you’ve gotten a signed written contract.

* By no means signal a contract with clean areas, which a crooked contractor can alter after he is gotten your signature.

* Do not consider a contractor who says he is supported by the federal government. The Federal Emergency Administration Company (FEMA) doesn’t endorse particular person contractors or mortgage firms; name FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA for extra data.

* Keep away from paying with money; use a examine or bank card as a substitute. This creates a document of your funds to the contractor.