Extreme weather means opportunity for scammers | 7 On Your Side
NEW YORK (WABC) -- After a big weather event come the storm chasers: scammers of all sorts taking advantage of the cold snap with hot cons.
From phony utility workers to shady contractors, 7 On Your Side's Nina Pineda has 7 red flags you should look out for in the wake of extreme weather conditions.
Expert contractors say, watch out.
"I don't know of any legitimate contractors going door to door saying, 'we can fix this for you," Shore Comfort's Mike Jackson said.
If you had a pipe freeze and burst, your boiler went bust, or your furnace failed, and you need to hire someone, beware of solicitors.
Licensed master plumber and HVAC expert Mike Jackson of Shore Comfort says fly-by-night contractors often show up with way out-of-state plates.
"The last big storm we had they were offering to add insulation or make their homes warmer," Jackson said. "You are going to hand over a lot of money and they're going to disappear."
The Better Business Bureau refers to contractors who swarm in after extreme weather as "Storm Chasers." They either come to your door or call.
"If they're telling you they're working in the neighborhood or whatever, just hang up," said Claire Rosenzweig of the Better Business Bureau of Greater New York.
Always check for a valid license. Many states, like New Jersey, require contractors to display license numbers right on the work truck.
If you hire an unlicensed contractor and incur damage to your home because of shoddy work, insurance can deny your claim.
Also, never ever pay in full, up-front.
"He asked for money on the spot," said Charlotte Trimarchi, a victim of this scam.
Charlotte and Gary Trimarchi paid over $1,500 to fix a fireplace at their rental on Long Island. The check was cashed and the work was never completed.
"He said, 'Oh I know what it is, I'll order parts.' He lied, he just took the money and went to the next victims," Trimarchi said.
That company has an F rating on the BBB's scam tracker and numerous complaints. Other red flags to watch for are if its website is shut down and the phone number is out of service.
"Google the person you want to hire. I would have seen all the lawsuits and everything else compiled against him," Trimarchi said.
The Trimarchis heat is not working right now, but they won't make the same mistake twice.
Always research the company and ask for proof of insurance.
Remember, licenses can be looked up on your state or municipality website.
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