Area Consumer Protection Expert Warns Homeowners About Post-Irene Scams
DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (CBS) - Consumer protection officials in the Delaware Valley are warning area residents about repair scams that can break out in the days following a natural disaster like Hurricane Irene.
Now, in the wake of Hurricane Irene, is when many homeowners are vulnerable because they want to get their damage fixed as quickly as possible.
But Bucks County consumer protection director Mike Bannon says that's when many people can be taken advantage of by less-than-reputable contractors trolling the streets looking for home damage.
Bannon says be careful of the high pressure sales pitches.
"Absolutely, yes -- if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," he advises. "You've got to worry about people coming out and saying that they'll do this for you, they'll do that for you. You have to have it documented -- you have to be able to track it."
He says to make sure the contractor is registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A deposit is okay, he says, but don't give them all the money up front. And get a contract spelling out a start and finish date with the total cost of the repairs.
Reported by Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio 1060
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