I just received this from The South
Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2015 | Release #15-018
Contact: Juliana Harris, (803)
413-8167
SCAM
ALERT: Home Repair Scams in Wake of SC Flood
COLUMBIA, S.C.
– The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) warns that when
natural disasters bring destruction, con artists follow closely behind.
Scammers prey on individuals who are emotionally vulnerable and overwhelmed.
They lure consumers with deals to repair the damage that are often too good to
be true. Consumers should follow these tips when seeking help with home
repairs in the wake of the flood:
*
Beware of contractors who just show up
at the door. They’ll offer you a great deal because they’re “in the
neighborhood” and have materials left over from a previous job. Reputable
contractors don’t work that way.
*
Get all promises in writing. If
it isn’t written down, it doesn’t count. Verbal promises are worthless because
if there’s a dispute, you have nothing to back up your claim.
*
Do not be pressured into buying.
Good businesses don’t need to rush you into a decision. The high-pressure buy
now approach is designed to keep you from comparison shopping. Don’t fall
for it and get at least two bids for the work.
*
Require a contractor’s license and
proper identification. Make sure they have the appropriate
licenses from the state and county/city. Check their id and get the car/
truck license tag number.
*
Never pay in full up front. Make
sure the contract has a payment schedule. Don’t let payments get ahead of the
work.
About SCDCA
The South Carolina Department of
Consumer Affairs aims to protect consumers from inequities in the marketplace
through advocacy, complaint mediation, enforcement and education. To file
a complaint or get information on consumer issues, visit www.consumer.sc.gov or call toll-free, 1-800-922-1594.
###
SCDCA staff are not in the
office. Please contact Juliana Harris (803-413-8167) or Carri Lybarker
(803-730-2096) for more information on this scam alert.
Best,
Juliana Harris
Senior Communications
Coordinator
SC Dept. of Consumer Affairs
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