Avoid Rogue Contractors Trolling for Work After Storm Damage

Hurricanes Helene and Milton rampaged ashore and wrought stunning destruction recently in the southeastern United States with raging storm surges, howling winds and relentless rain. It may take years for communities to recover. But another challenge looms right now for exhausted storm victims: unscrupulous contractors offering bogus restoration deals too good to be true. 

Don’t fall for their fraudulent pitches. “We hear heartbreaking stories from people who accidentally hire silver-tongued charlatans,” says Mickey McHenry, President of Paul Davis Restoration of South Atlanta, Central Georgia, Northeast Georgia, and Lanier Isles. “These swindlers promise quick restoration and then evaporate with the cash after doing nothing. If you pay close attention, however, rogue contractors almost always expose their tricks.” 

Listening carefully helps differentiate scam artists from reputable restoration and mitigation firms:

Scam artists: (after knocking on your door unexpectedly) “Hi, we’re working in your neighborhood and noticed you need help repairing storm damage.”

Reputable companies: (after answering your call personally) “Hello, this is Paul Davis, how can we help you? We’ll be there in just a few hours.” 

Scam artists: “We surveyed the damage already. We took a walk around before you answered the door.”

Reputable companies: “Our highly trained staff will arrive at your convenience, then conduct and document a thorough on-site inspection.”

Scam artists: “This is an emergency, so we can’t wait for full documentation. Sign now, this price is only good for a short period of time.”

Reputable companies: “Here is our written cleanup and remediation plan as well as proposed schedule and budget. Take as long as you need to review the documents. We are happy to answer your questions.”

Scam artists: “Mold won’t be a problem because we’ll finish so quickly.”

Reputable companies: “We have sophisticated mold detection techniques and equipment that we deploy on every flood project. We carefully measure drying levels too, to reduce mold risks.”

Scam artists: “We need a large deposit before we start. Cash or personal checks are fine.”

Reputable companies: “Here is our payment schedule. We offer flexible payment options including credit cards. Our company handles all transactions.” 

Scam artists: “Call these customers, they couldn’t be happier with our work. But if we wait for you to check our references, we’ll be booked and probably can’t help you.”

Reputable companies: “We’re glad your insurance company recommended us. We have a great working relationship with your carrier. Let’s review our qualifications, licenses, liability insurance, and excellent Better Business Bureau ratings.” 

Another warning sign? These frauds insist that they have the equipment, people and time to handle all the work, no matter how extensive. Don’t believe them, McHenry cautions. “The truth is that only established multinational companies like ours can handle extensive residential, large losses and commercial losses that affect entire regions like Helene and Milton did.” 

Recovering from a disaster and need help? Call Paul Davis Restoration at 888-473-7669 to speak with a member of our team.