By nature, people in need of emergency restoration are in desperate situations. Their home is often exposed and in disarray, and the longer it goes unrepaired, the more damage it will sustain. To make things worse, they’re often unfamiliar with what to look for in an emergency repair company or how emergency restoration works.
This creates the perfect opportunity for scammers and untrustworthy companies to take advantage of the situation.
In cases of a large-scale natural disaster, it’s common for people to receive calls, texts, and emails from people who say they’re with FEMA or the SBA. They’ll typically try to get financial info or other confidential information such as your social security number.
If you have any doubt about the legitimacy of the person contacting you, do a search for the phone number or email that’s contacting you. Alternatively, go to the organization’s website and use the contact info listed there instead.
Today’s scammers have gotten very good at making themselves look and sound legitimate. Be on guard. Anyone who shows up at your house claiming to be from a government organization should have official identification.
Similar tactics are utilized by people masquerading as insurance companies. It’s always best to be overly cautious in emergency situations.
Signs of Unreliable Restoration Companies
Fraud and phishing scams aren’t the only way people take advantage of emergency situations. Sometimes, it’s actual “restoration” companies. These businesses are essentially storm chasers moving between towns that have suffered serious damage.
They’ll often blanket communities with flyers, advertising incredibly low prices.
While there’s nothing wrong with looking for a good deal, there’s likely a catch if the price seems too good to be true. You may pay a down payment and sign a contract, only to discover there was some fine print that has resulted in you owing a lot more than what was advertised.
Alternatively, they might provide you with poor craftsmanship, skipping town before it’s discovered.
Another tactic is to pressure you into an agreement before you get other quotes or check for references. These people tend to show up unannounced on your doorstep. They’ll use confusing language and try to get you to commit on the spot. You should never feel like you’re being forced to agree to something.
Though you are understandably in a hurry, you should ensure that the company you’re using is local and trustworthy. They should be able to provide references in your area to confirm this.
At Reliant Restoration, we’ve provided emergency storm, water, mold, and fire damage restoration across the Springfield, Ohio area countless times. It’s our goal to make you feel at ease during the entire process. Avoid getting caught in a scam. Contact Reliant Restoration today!