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Sample text for your social media posts

Was your home damaged in the storm? Watch out for contractor scams! Try to use local contractors. Check references. Get bids in writing.  http://bit.ly/T5-contractor-scams

Looking for a contractor to fix damage from the storm? Don’t pay up front! Get everything in writing and don’t sign a contract with blanks on it.

Beware of storm chasing criminals after a disaster! Try to work with a local builder to make your repairs. Call ###-###-#### to see if the company is registered with the city / county.

Protect yourself from identity theft. Don’t share personal information like credit card or bank information with anyone that shows up at your door.

Printable flyers

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More tips for avoiding scams

The scam: A contractor asks you to sign something before going on your roof to estimate repairs.
What to do: Read it carefully. Make sure it’s not a contract, or you could be left holding a bill without ever seeing an estimate.

The scam: A contractor asks you to sign a contract with blank sections.
What to do: Don’t do it. The contractor could fill in the blank sections later with higher amounts or different work.

The scam: A contractor asks you to sign a contract that says, “Homeowner agrees to the listed repairs for the value of the insurance proceeds.” This means that you’ve agreed to give the contractor every penny you get from the insurance company.
What to do: Never sign a contract with this language. The contractor may not make all the needed repairs.

The scam: Contractor offers to waive your deductible or “work it into the bid.”
What to do: Hire a different contractor. The deductible is your responsibility. It is illegal for a contractor to offer to waive a deductible or promise a rebate for it.

The scam: A roofer asks for a large down payment or a full payment up front.
What to do: Never pay in full up front and be wary if a contractor asks for a large down payment. If a disaster is declared, it’s against the law for contractors from outside your area to ask for payment before they start work.

The scam: A contractor uses materials that are defective or lower quality.
What to do: Make sure your contract lists the type of materials that will be used. Check the work as it progresses to make sure the materials and quality are what you expected.

To avoid these and other common scams:

• Get bids in writing.
• Use local companies when possible.
• Check references.