As extreme cold conditions affect Michigan, Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a warning to residents about potential scams. She emphasizes the importance of being cautious when hiring contractors for emergency repairs caused by severe weather conditions, such as burst pipes or broken furnaces.
Nessel advises residents to be vigilant against fraudsters who may exploit emergency situations. "Fraudsters often look for emergency situations to scam people out of their hard-earned money," she stated. "When facing property damage during extreme cold, the last thing anyone needs is to fall victim. The best way to protect yourself is to stay aware of common scam tactics."
She outlines several red flags that may indicate a contractor is not legitimate. These include offers that seem too good to be true, pressure to act quickly, confusing contracts, lack of licensing and references, demands for upfront payment in cash, refusal to provide written offers, vehicles with out-of-state license plates, and absence of business signage on vehicles.
To safeguard against scams, Nessel suggests checking online reviews from sources like the Better Business Bureau and consulting with insurance companies and local licensed professionals. Residents should review credentials and references carefully and obtain more than one written estimate before proceeding with any work. Additionally, she advises asking for a detailed contract and reading it thoroughly.
Residents can file complaints or seek further information through the Consumer Protection Team by contacting them at P.O. Box 30213 Lansing, MI 48909; calling 517-335-7599 or toll-free at 877-765-8388; faxing 517-241-3771; or using the online complaint form.