Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging residents to be vigilant against scammers targeting those affected by the heavy rains from the remnants of Hurricane Beryl. The storm flooded communities, damaged homes, and left thousands without power.
“Education and awareness are the best tools we have to fight against bad actors looking to take advantage of those experiencing hardship,” said Nessel. “Our Consumer Protection team is committed to investigating complaints. I encourage people to contact our office if you believe a business or individual is engaging in fraudulent behavior in response to the severe weather.”
The State of Michigan offers information on what to do in the aftermath of a storm on the MIREADY website (MIREADY (michigan.gov), including tips on recovering from a disaster.
Property owners who have suffered damage following a disaster should contact their local emergency manager and let local officials know what immediate assistance is needed. Local officials and voluntary organizations are usually the best options for immediate needs such as food and shelter.
Those suffering damage should contact their insurance agent to file a claim. Homeowners should document all damages before cleaning up by taking videos and photos and making a list. They should also save receipts for post-damage repair and clean-up.
Property owners should also review their homeowner’s insurance policy to determine their deductible amount and what damage may be covered. Knowing what insurance will cover will help determine how much to spend on repairs and prioritize repairs based on safety and need.
Whatever the type of flooding or disaster, affected homeowners often want to repair the damage immediately. Unfortunately, therush to do repairs can lead to impulsive decisions with costly results.
To avoid falling victim to a scam, homeowners should do their homework before hiring home repair professionals. This is especially true if a property owner is approached by anyone pressuring them to pay immediately for fast home repairs. Legitimate home repair contractors won’t make urgent demands. Ensure that the home repair contractor is licensed, insured, well-regarded by friends and neighbors, and has no extensive complaint history.
Get everything in writing, and never pay in cash or in full upfront. Paying for a home repair using a credit card provides added protection, as homeowners can dispute a charge if the repair is not completed. Homeowners should arrange to pay for only part of the work upfront and pay for the rest when the work is completed to their satisfaction.
Property owners who have a complaint or suspect a scam can file a complaint online.
To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact: Consumer Protection Team, P.O. Box 30213, Lansing, MI 48909, or call 517-335-7599 or toll free: 877-765-8388, or fax 517-241-3771.
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