Residents Warned About Flood-Related Scammers

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The Better Business Bureau of West Michigan has issued list of what you should and shouldn’t do if you’re a flood victim to avoid scammers. Phil Catlett of the BBB says floods and natural disasters tend to bring out the worst in people.

“They know you’re in an emergency situation and vulnerable,” says Catlett. “That’s why you should step back, take the time and investigate the business to make sure they’ve been around for awhile and are going to be around for awhile. You might find a problem later, and unless you’ve picked someone in town, you might be out of luck.

He recommends only working with local firms, getting bids, doing contracts, doing background checks and never pay for the whole job up front.