Story Submitted By: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
We often hear stories of how adverse circumstances can bring out the best in people.
Unfortunately, it is also true that these same conditions can tend to bring out the worst in others.
A frequent problem after a disaster is “fly-by-night” contractors who take deposits before starting work or final payment before finishing.
Service scams all have the same target: your wallet.
Be cautious of repair businesses or individuals who solicit door-to-door, arrive in unmarked vehicles, have a post office box or temporary address, claim they are from another county or state and are in the area solely to help disaster victims, or claim that they were doing work in the area and noticed that your home needed repairs.
Ways to protect yourself include:
If your home is in need of repair, you should get at least three itemized estimates and check each contractor’s address, license and complaint history. This can be done by calling the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395 or by visiting its website at www.myfloridalicense.com.
Never agree to a cash-only deal. Ask for a written estimate and inspect the terms carefully before signing and agreeing to any offer.
Honest contractors earn the majority of their business through referrals from satisfied customers. They don't have to travel door-to-door to find business.
Ask contractors to justify their bids by listing the work/materials that are included. This allows you to make valid comparisons between any estimates.