(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — In the wake of damaging storms that recently struck northeastern Ohio, Attorney General Dave Yost is reminding all Ohioans to watch out for home-repair scammers and fake charities soliciting donations on behalf of those affected by the severe weather.
“Bad actors thrive on others' bad fortune,” Yost said. “Protect yourself from scammers – verify before you trust.”
Unscrupulous contractors are known to travel to storm-damaged communities to offer their “services” to homeowners but then perform shoddy work – or no work at all. Typically, they go door to door, claiming that they can complete the work immediately.
The Attorney General’s Office advises consumers on how best to protect themselves after a natural disaster and encourages them to follow these steps to avoid home-repair scams:
- Ask for identification from the company representative; note the person’s name, address, and phone number; and be cautious of any contractor who won’t provide this information. Check out the company’s reputation with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau and ask for references. You can also search for possible previous lawsuits filed by the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section.
- Obtain at least three written estimates from three distinct contractors.
- Pay in increments – for example, a third at the beginning of the job, a third after half of the work is completed to your satisfaction, and the final third when the job is completed.
- Insist on a written contract detailing costs, work to be done, starting and end dates, and any verbal promises made by the contractor. The contract should also note whether subcontractors will be used and whether necessary licenses and permits have been obtained. Insist on being provided a copy of every document you sign or initial.
- If the contract resulted from a door-to-door sale, you generally have three days to cancel it according to Ohio’s Home Solicitation Sales Act. The seller should give you written notice of these rights.
- Paying with a credit card generally gives greater protection against unauthorized charges compared to paying in cash or by check.
When making charitable donations, donors should research charities thoroughly:
- Verify whether charities have complied with registration requirements.
- Connect with charity watchdog organizations.
- Learn what others say about the group through news articles and other postings.
Tragedies can sometimes prompt new charities that may lack expertise in providing meaningful relief or running an effective charity.
Ohioans who suspect unfair sales practices or misuse of charitable resources should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org, Charitable.OhioAGO.gov or 800-282-0515.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Hannah Hundley: 614-906-9113