CHICAGO (WLS) -- As storms have surged through the Chicago region delivering high winds, hail, and rain damage impacting hundreds of local homeowners, consumers are in need of quick help making repairs.
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be aware of home repair scams.
The BBB recommends using caution when hiring a home improvement contractor.
Scams abound, especially following a major storm, flood, or other weather event, when many homeowners are trying to repair their houses.
But contractor scams can happen any time, so be wary of "storm chasers" who go door-to-door looking to rip-off homeowners. They use high-pressure sales tactics, often demand upfront fees, and are often fly-by-night businesses. These con artists will take homeowners' money and deliver shoddy work or no work at all.
"Consumers need to exercise major caution when hiring contractors for any type of home repair. Each year, The BBB releases an annual Scamtracker Risk Report listing the riskiest scams and Home Improvement Scams are always in the top 5, hitting consumers hard with an average loss of over $1,000," said CEO Steve Bernas, Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois president.
Tips to Spot This Scam:
ABC7 Viewers can contact the BBB directly by emailing your questions and concerts to abc7@chicago.bbb.org