PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CONTRACTOR FRAUD
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20230524/protect-yourself-contractor-fraud]


Release Date: 
5月 24, 2023 

OKLAHOMA CITY – As Oklahoma residents repair and rebuild their
properties after the April 19-20 severe storms, those hiring a
contractor should proceed with caution and heed the warning of local
and state emergency management officials.

When selecting a contractor, you should keep these tips in mind:

	* DO YOUR RESEARCH. Potentially fraudulent contractors will usually
come to you to offer their services — either at your door, on the
phone or through email — so be especially wary of solicitors. 

 	* DON’T OFFER PERSONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE. Know
who you are dealing with and always ask for identification.
 	* GET ESTIMATES FROM MULTIPLE CONTRACTORS and your insurance
company.
 	* ASK FOR REFERENCES FROM PAST CUSTOMERS.
 	* ASK WHO WILL BE PERFORMING THE WORK (often, the contractor is a
"salesman" and may subcontract the work to inexperienced individuals
who are paid in cash for the contractor to avoid paying taxes).
 	* MAKE SURE CONTRACTORS HAVE THE PROPER LICENSING and are bonded.
 	* ENSURE CONTRACTORS OBTAIN THE NECESSARY PERMITS to do the job.
 	* VERIFY INSURANCE. Contractors should have disability and workers'
compensation insurance. If they don’t, you may be liable for
accidents on your property.
 	* WHENEVER POSSIBLE, DEAL WITH LOCAL CONTRACTORS who have roots in
your community, and independently verify any address or other contact
information the contractor provides to you.
 	* ASK FAMILY, FRIENDS, COWORKERS OR OTHERS WHOM YOU TRUST for
contractor referrals.

	* USE THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, WWW.BBB.ORG [http://www.bbb.org/],
AND INTERNET SEARCH ENGINES. Fraudulent firms change names
frequently, so search the web for their address and phone number, and
include terms like “review,” “scam” and “complaint.” 

 	* DEMAND SATISFACTION. Don’t sign completion papers or make final
payment until the work is done correctly.
 	* DON’T WIRE MONEY OR USE RELOADABLE DEBIT OR GIFT CARDS. There
is no legitimate reason to use this form of payment.
 	* DO NOT HIRE A CONTRACTOR WITHOUT A WRITTEN AGREEMENT that includes
all relevant details, including any guarantees, warranties, promises
made by the contractor and specific start/end dates for the project
and how to negotiate changes and settle disputes.
 	* TAKE A PICTURE of your contractor, their vehicle and license
plate, business card and driver’s license.
 	* IF YOUR PROJECT INVOLVES ROOF REPAIR, make sure that the
contractor is registered with the Oklahoma Construction Industries
Board (www.ok.gov/cib [http://www.ok.gov/cib/] or 405-521-6550).

If someone offers these services to you, they could be potentially
fraudulent:

 	* The contractor claims to have materials left over from a previous
job and offers to use them on your project for a steep discount.
 	* The contractor requires a substantial upfront payment and/or
payment in cash.
 	* The contractor uses high-pressure sales tactics to push for a fast
decision or does not take “no” for an answer.
 	* The contractor offers a discount on your project if you can refer
other customers.
 	* If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Use your
best judgement.

When looking for a contractor, stay patient. Research companies and
resist the urge to make quick decisions in the moment. If you feel you
have been defrauded by a contractor, report your concerns to your
local law enforcement agency. You can also call the FEMA DISASTER
FRAUD HOTLINE AT 866-720-5721 that is available 24-hours a day, or
report the potential fraud to Oklahoma Attorney General Consumer
Protection Unit at 833-681-1895 or ConsumerProtection@oag.ok.gov.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4706
[https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4706]. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter
account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 [https://twitter.com/FEMARegion6]
or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/
[https://www.facebook.com/FEMARegion6/].