Beware of Scammers In Our Area During Adverse Weather

A couple of weeks ago my wife received a call on her cell phone.

It was someone from a roofing company that wanted to set up an appointment to come by and look at our roof. I know companies do marketing on the phone to set up appointments but this just didn't sound right. We set a time and date for the guy to come by but, lo and behold, he didn't show up.

Unfortunately when adverse weather affects an area, scammers are waiting in the wings just ready to take advantage of the situation. So with the recent heavy rains we've received, beware of out-of-town contractors wanting to do business.

If the situation arises that you do need some work on your home due to any adverse weather, look first locally. Too many times local contractors will get a call first and they sometimes get overloaded to where they can't take on any more work. That's when you see the out-of-town scammers roaming the street looking for their next victim.

Now don't get me wrong, there are some reputable companies that will show up from out-of-town, but they can back up their work with credentials and references.

According to a University of Missouri Extension family financial education specialist, "Think twice and exercise caution before accepting the services of an out-of-town contractor."

Here's a couple of to-do's if you do encounter out-of-town contractors wanting to do work for you-

• Check with the Better Business Bureau, either Missouri or in the town or city the company is based
• Ask for proof of insurance
• Sign a contract before they begin any work
• Last, but not least, don't pay in advance for any work