Georgia Attorney General Warns Chattooga County Flood Victims About Scams

With many flood victims in Chattooga County still recovering from the affects of the Labor Day Weekend Flood, Georgia’s Attorney General says that local residents need to be on the lookout for scams.

“With scammers ready to prey on vulnerable storm victims, we want to ensure that Georgians are aware of their protections under the law and know how to spot and avoid a scam,” said Attorney General Carr. “If your home was damaged by the recent flooding, contact your insurance provider and thoroughly research a contractor before hiring anyone to make repairs. We know the aftermath of severe weather can be difficult for those impacted, and we stand ready to assist any Georgian who thinks they may have encountered a storm-related scam.”

The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division offers the following tips to avoid home repair fraud:

• Avoid door-to-door offers for flood damage restoration or home repairs.
• Steer clear of any contractor who asks for full payment up-front, only accepts payment in cash, or who refuses to provide you with a written contract.
• Only hire contractors who are local and are qualified in mold remediation and property restoration. To find local contractors and restorers check with the Society of Cleaning and Restoration Technicians and the Restoration Industry Association.
• Ask contractors for references and check them out.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have a good rating and if there are any complaints against the business.
• Get written bids from at least three contractors. Be skeptical if the bid is too low. Cheaper is not necessarily better.
• Always insist on a contract for work to be performed, with all guarantees, warranties and promises in writing.
• Be skeptical of any contractor that offers to pay your insurance deductible or offers other no-cost incentives, as these can be signs of fraud. You should always talk to your insurance company before committing to any repairs.

 (AM1180 Chattooga County Radio)