If a disaster victim is financially scammed by a caretaker, the issue should also be
reported to APS:
http://www.dlp.vermont.gov/protection. Scams by Home Repair Service Providers In a major disaster, it is likely that excess demand and limited supply causes
prices for goods and services to increase. Verifying the Legitimacy and Trustworthiness of a Home Repair Service Provider
Before contracting for any services, the consumer should attempt to verify the
legitimacy and trustworthiness of any business or other service provider. The following represents a non-exclusive list of steps consumers can take to protect themselves:
Use licensed home repair service providers, if applicable. o General contractors are not required to be licensed in Vermont. o Plumbers (in most cases) and electricians generally must be licensed: Search licensure records at
https://secure.vtprofessionals.org/renewals/ or call the Vermont Secretary of State at 800-439-8683.
o If the provider claims to be a corporation, check the Vermont corporate registry:
http://corps.sec.state.vt.us/corpbrow.aspx.
Demand proof of insurance. o Make sure the contractor carries general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
o If the contractor is not insured, the homeowner may be liable for accidents that occur on the property, including injuries to the contractor’s workers.
Do some research. o Check references. Contractors should be willing to provide the names of previous customers. Call several former customers who had similar work done to make sure they were satisfied with the job.
o Call the Consumer Assistance Program (800-649-2424) and/or contact the Better Business Bureau (508-652-4800) to inquire about a business before signing a contract.
o Take a look at Front Porch Forum (free but you are required to register), Google or Yahoo reviews (free, no registration), or Angie’s List (fee service).
Get a written estimate detailing the costs for each particular task to be performed. Compare services and prices before making a final decision. Also, read the fine print. Some contractors charge a fee for a written estimate, which is often applied to the price of subsequent repairs they make. Do not sign any contracts for major repairs until the insurance representative has determined how much damage there is and how much the company will pay.
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