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BBB of West Florida Scam Alert: Consumers to watch out for storm chasers after Hurricane Ian
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BBB of West Florida warns consumers that in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, watch out for storm chasers going door-to-door looking to take advantage of people.
The moments after a hurricane can feel overwhelming and leave many people with damage to their homes. Hurricane victims should never feel pressured to make a hasty decision or choose an unknown contractor. Make temporary repairs if necessary so you can take the time to choose a trustworthy contractor.
BBB’s Florida Hurricane Guide is a one-stop resource page to help Floridians prepare and recover from a hurricane. Within this hurricane guide, you will find guidance on disaster preparedness, recovery and repair, and how to avoid scams post-hurricane.
- Get references. Get referrals from friends and relatives and check BBB.org for ratings and reviews on contractors in the area.
- Do your research. Local and national companies may both do a fine job with your storm damage repair needs, but if you choose to do business with someone who is not local, be sure to understand who will be taking care of any service needs that may arise after the completion of the project.
- Learn about storm chasers. Storm chasers are businesses that follow storms in hope of a quick buck. Research anyone who offers you unsolicited assistance carefully.
- Look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal and hire a licensed professional. Any repair work performed on a home or a business should be completed by a licensed professional, always verify a contractor’s license by visiting www.myfloridalicense.org or calling (850) 487-1395 and look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal to know those contractors are licensed, vetted and approved by BBB Standards of Trust.
- Report Scams to BBB Scam Tracker. BBB.org/ScamTracker is a free Interactive tool for consumers to report scams and fraud while warning others of malicious or suspicious activity.
For more information
Visit BBB Hurricane resources.
Be prepared for unexpected disasters.
Read BBB's tip on staying safe during a severe storm.
Learn what to do after a damaging storm.
Still Need Assistance?
Contact Your Local BBB
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Additional Resources
Central Ohio BBB Business Podcast