Unique Original Articles » Suggestions for Disaster Victims – How to Avoid Turning into a Victim of a Scam

In the outcome of any disaster, there are usually some who will plan to prey upon and scam people. Here you will discover some significant suggestions on how to stay away from becoming a victim of a scam.

HOME REPAIR – GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Disaster victims must frequently face thousands of dollars worth of mandatory repairs to make their homes liveable again. Individuals can defend themselves from swindling home repair contractors by heeding the following hints to not get scammed:

1. Shop around and get at least three documented estimations. Ask the contractors if they have liability insurance (as required by law) and whether or not they will be using subcontractors on the project.


2. Ask your contractor about his or her professional affiliations.


3. Receive a written contract. Home improvement contracts must affirm the legal name and business address of the contractor as well as a launch date and finish date, a overview of the work to be done, and the total price. Make sure the brand names of principal products and materials to be used or set up are outlined on the contract.


4. Make sure all assurance and guarantees are in writing.


5. Do not pay for the complete job in the beginning. The traditional arrangement is one-third in advance, one-third halfway through the job, and one-third on completion.

6. Seek out red flags. Be skeptical if a contractor tells you that he or she must have a large payment in order for the home repair work can begin, demands that you pay cash, or explains to you a written contract is not mandatory – that a non-written agreement is more than enough. Contracts for home improvement projects costing $500 or more will need to be in writing.


7. Steer clear of transient home repair contractors. All home improvement contractors must be on file with Consumer Affairs. If you select a contractor, make sure you obtain names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions. If a concern does occur, this information will help law enforcement to track down the contractor.


8. When you execute a contract, ask the contractor for a lien waiver. A lien waiver is a receipt that indicates that the workers and material suppliers will not ask you for payment once you have paid the contractor. Be cautious of any petition by a contractor to have you sign a statement that says you will cover the costs of materials and labor if the contractor does not pay.

9. Before you allow in anyone who claims to have been directed by a utility company to examine your home, ask for ID. Agents of utilities and highly reputed businesses will have proper ID. When in uncertainty, phone the company to check the identification of the worker.

PRICE GOUGING

According to the Consumer Fraud Act, it is unlawful during a State of Emergency or within 30 days of the termination of a State of Emergency to charge over the top prices – or a price that is 10 percent more than the original price – for any goods and services needed as a direct result of an emergency or to “sustain the life, health, safety or comfort” of consumers or their property.


About MCIPE Constructors & Professional Engineers

MCIPE Constructors and Professional Engineers is a industry leading civil and building construction company providing discrete general contracting and design/build services to private clientele and public organizations throughout the world. We have provided construction expertise for decades and have established a strong recognition within our markets by undertaking large complex projects on time and within spending budget while adhering to strict quality control measures.

We offer general contracting, pre-construction planning and all-inclusive project management services, comprising of the planning and scheduling of the manpower, equipment, materials and subcontractors required for a project. We also provide self-performed construction services consisting of excavation, concrete forming and placement, steel erection, electrical and mechanical services, plumbing and HVAC. We are renowned for our major complex building project plans as well as our ability to perform large & complex transportation and heavy civil construction for government firms and private patrons throughout the world.


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Avoid Contractor Scam
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