Griffin: After severe weather, watch out for scammers

LITTLE ROCK – As part of Consumer Protection Week and in advance of severe weather this spring season, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin issued a Consumer Alert to Arkansans to protect themselves from post-storm rebuilding scams:

“Spring severe weather is a fact of life in Arkansas. Not only should Natural State residents ready themselves for severe weather, but they should also take steps to protect themselves from scammers who prey on victims of storm damage to score quick cash, sometimes minutes after the storm has ended. Storm victims’ first act should be to make sure they are safe, then call their insurance agent. It should not be signing a contract from someone knocking on your door unannounced.”

Griffin reminds homeowners that:

• Insurers will honor their home policies.
• There is no need to rush into or be pressured to sign a contracting agreement.

He also offered these tips:

• Get more than one estimate.
• Demand references and check them out.
• Never let a contractor pressure you into hiring them.
• Never sign a contract with blanks “to be filled in later.”
• Never pay a contractor in full until the work is finished.
• Never let a contractor discourage you from contacting your insurance company.
• Make sure you review and understand all documents sent to your insurance company.

Griffin also reminds homeowners to get everything in writing, including repair costs, scope of work, time and payment schedules, and any other detailed guarantees or expectations.

Arkansans who wish to report concerns about the subject of this Consumer Alert or desire more information should contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office by calling (800) 482-8982, or online at www.arkansasag.gov.      

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