State’s Attorney Warns for Flood Scams

A press release from McHenry County State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally:

STATE’S ATTORNEY WARNS FLOOD VICTIMS OF SCAMS

McHenry County State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally is urging flood victims to beware of scams.

A sure sign of flooding is a pile of wet rugs in front of a house.

Often adisaster brings opportunities for criminals to pose as contractors, government workers, and insurance adjusters or imitate a charity to collect money claiming to be donations for the flood victims.

This building is reflected in floodwater on Broadway in Lakewood.

Please remember the following tips:

  • Be wary of door-to-door and phone solicitations.
  • Always ask for identification.
  • Get multiple quotes for repairs, and don’t be rushed into a deal.
  • Consider recommendations from people you know and trust and ask repair companies for
    referrals of local jobs they have completed. Follow up with those referrals.
  • Contact your local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for feedback on repair
    companies.
  • Ask for licenses for insurance adjusters and roofers which can be verified on the Illinois
    Department of Financial and Professional Regulation’s website and public adjusters which can be
    verified by calling the Department of Insurance.
  • Be cautious of companies charging to assist with insurance claim processing.
  • Get all of the terms of a contract in writing, and obtain a copy of the signed contract. The Illinois
    Home Repair and Remodeling Act requires contractors to provide customers with written
    contracts for any repair or remodeling work costing more than $1,000.
  • Consider hiring an attorney to review the contract, if necessary.
  • Never make full payment until all the work has been completed to your satisfaction and consider having the work inspected prior to making final payment.

Visit the County’s official flood website at https://www.co.mchenry.il.us/county-government/floodheadquarters for additional information and resources.

The Illinois Attorney General also has a Consumer Fraud Hotline at (800) 386-5438. Finally, report any suspicious companies or individuals to your local law enforcement agency.


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