North Carolina Attorney General Warns Consumers to Beware of Flood, Roof, and Tree Repair Scams

Home repair scammers have likely followed Hurricane Matthew to North Carolina

October 12, 2016

Since Hurricane Matthew made landfall earlier this week, North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper is urging consumers affected by wind, rain and flooding to be extra cautious when hiring repair contractors.

"We don't want Hurricane Matthew to become a windfall for con artists," Cooper warned. "Watch out for scammers who travel to storm-ravaged areas, collect upfront fees, and then take off without doing the job."

The storm’s intense winds and rainfall have caused widespread flooding, fallen trees and damaged roofs. Unfortunately, home repair scammers often follow such disasters.

Consumers should remember the following regarding all storm repairs:

Do not pay for repairs before the work is finished
Do not do business with anyone who knocks on your door and offers repairs
Always contact your insurance company before having repairs done
Keep in mind that FEMA does not certify, endorse, or approve contractors

If you suspect fraud, call local law enforcement immediately.

Consumers who have experienced flood damage should follow these tips:

Do not pay in advance for flood repair and cleanup. Scammers paid upfront might set up a fan or remove a wet carpet and then disappear before doing real work.
Use licensed experts only. Flood‐related repairs often require electricians, plumbers and other skilled contractors. Verify their licenses before hiring.
Obtain all required permits and inspections. Contact your city or county building department to learn what permits and inspections are needed for flood repairs.

Those who have suffered roof damage should remember:

Do not hire roofers who knock on your door or leave flyers. Legitimate local roofing companies do not solicit door-to-door; drive-by roofers often leave town without finishing the job.
Beware of storm chasers. These out-of-town contractors promise free inspections and full insurance coverage, but they often push unnecessary replacements and vanish once paid.
Promised a “free” roof? Be skeptical. Many policies carry deductibles and filing a large claim can raise your premiums; no roofer can waive these costs.
Avoid exclusive contracts. Drive-by roofers may lock you into long-term agreements that prevent you from hiring reputable local companies.
Watch for low-quality work and materials. Out-of-state scammers have no local reputation to protect and may use substandard roofing supplies.

Have downed trees? Follow these tips:

Never pay upfront for tree removal. Some out-of-state cutters take deposits from entire neighborhoods and then disappear.
Steer clear of fly-by-night services. Hire local arborists who live and work in your community and are more likely to complete the job.
Check references and reviews. Contact the Attorney General’s Office and review the BBB before you hire. Ask for local customer references.
Verify insurance. Don’t just take a contractor’s word, call their insurer to confirm coverage and get a copy of the certificate of insurance.
Shop around. Obtain written estimates from multiple companies and compare prices to avoid unusually high, or suspiciously low—bids.
Don’t be rushed. If the tree isn’t blocking access or posing immediate danger, take time to vet contractors and compare offers.
Ask about debris removal. Confirm whether the contractor will haul away the wood and brush or if you’ll incur additional disposal fees.

"It's horrible to think that anyone would take advantage of people in this time of need, but unfortunately experience tells us that some scammers will," Cooper said. "Trust your instincts: if an offer seems too good, or too pushy—walk away and report it."

Be on the lookout, too, for impostor fraud, scammers posing as FEMA officials, utility workers or insurance adjusters. To report a suspected scam, contact the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office.