TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- Sunday marked the start of hurricane season, and while most families have a safety plan to follow if severe weather strikes - you shouldn't let your guard down when the skies clear.
Scammers posing as contractors often travel from state to state looking for vulnerable homeowners in desperate need of repair help.
In this Angie's List report, how to steer clear of storm-chasing contractors.
Toppled trees, scattered shingles, broken windows - you see the damage left behind by severe weather and feel overwhelmed. Storm chasing scammers see that damage and feel hopeful - it's an opportunity to swindle you.
Angie's List warns you to be on alert. Sometimes these scammers go door to door, doing shoddy work then disappearing or even taking money then never doing any work.
"When it comes to storm season the worst stories we hear about are times when someone had storm damage and gets taken advantage of by a contractor. It's important to understand who you are working with. You don't want to make the situation worse. Once you've had a problem: had a storm come through, have tree damage, make sure you access it and do the same research you would when you are hiring a company under any circumstances," said Angie Hicks of Angie's List.
So how do you recognize these crooked contractors?
They often try to strong-arm homeowners into signing a contract on the spot for a "discount." Angie's List says a deal today should be a deal tomorrow.
Another red flag? Companies that demand full payment upfront.
"Watch for whether the company is local, they have marked trucks and vehicles, a local phone number because a lot of these projects that you are having done, roofing for example, is something you need to last a long time. It might come with a warranty as well. You want a company that is going to stand behind that work," said Hicks.
It's also important to understand what your insurance policy covers before a storm hits. Never sign over your homeowner's insurance settlement upfront and avoid a company that offers to pay or help with your deductible. In some states, deductible help is considered insurance fraud.
Remember you can catch the latest Angie's List report every Tuesday morning on WTXL Sunrise.
