How to avoid being scammed by a fraudulent contractor

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA – After Hurricane Ian, many Floridians saw severe damage to their property. Property restoration is becoming a top priority for homeowners.

However, how can you avoid being scammed by a fake contractor? Natural disasters can present opportunities for fraudulent contractors to take advantage of our residents, who are eagerly seeking help with cleanup and repairs.

The Cape Coral Police Department has shared these helpful reminders that anyone in Southwest Florida can use to protect themselves when looking for a trustworthy contractor.

• Make sure your contractor is appropriately licensed for the work to be performed. You can always check the licensing yourself through the Florida DBPR website.
• All licensed contractors must display their license number on all business cards, contracts, estimates, vehicles, etc.
• Make sure your contractor carries workers compensation insurance and coverage – which could become a liability for the homeowner if the service is not covered and injury and/or additional damage to your property occurs
• Always ensure that subcontractors are actually authorized to carry out work under a licensed company/business

Other tips recommended by the Cape Coral Police Department:

• If you receive unsolicited phone calls or home visits, please make sure the person actually works for the company offering the job
• When entering into a contract, make sure it is a legal contract that describes the work to be performed and the likely price to be paid
• DO NOT pay the full price upfront, just a deposit for the work to be done
• DO NOT make final payment until work has been completed and inspected
• Always get receipts for all payments made to a contractor
• Keep all copies of contracts, agreements, receipts, and change orders
• It is recommended not to pay in cash and to use a means of payment that can show proof of payment, e.g. B. Checks, bank drafts, etc.
• Know what documents you are signing and ask questions. If necessary, confirm with an attorney that the documents you consent to are in your best interests

Residents can also verify an appraiser’s or attorney’s license through the Florida Department of Financial Services’ website at http://www.myfloridacfo.com

The Federal Communications Center (FCC) provides information on how to avoid disaster-related scams, which can be found at https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/after_storms_watch_out_for_scams.pdf