Storm cleanup scams

In the aftermath of any flood, as waters recede, headaches for consumers fester as the “storm chasers” move in, and they’re not meteorologists.

They’re con artists looking to make money on others’ misfortunes.

“They prey on people who are desperate. Desperate to get their houses clean, their businesses up and running,“ Attorney General Lisa Madigan said Monday.

“They’re in a dire situation, and they need an emergency fix. They can’t get anyone on the phone, and here comes this guy walking down the street and they think, ‘Great!‘“ said Steve Bernas with the Better Business Bureau.

That desire for an emergency fix can lead to one of the biggest mistakes a flood victim can make, hiring the quick fix.

Madigan said the pitch usually requires the homeowner to sign up on the spot.

Instead, Madigan advises, concentrate on the details.

Any contract for more than $1,000 worth of work should be in writing.

Check licensing: Insurance adjusters should be licensed through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Plumbers and HVAC contractors are licensed through the Department of Public Health.

Take pictures of all damage.

Even for those weathered consumers who think they’ve heard it all, there’s always a new con washing in with all that water.

“We’ve seen people come out in the aftermath saying they are with the government, here to help fill out paperwork. And really what it turns out to be is some type of identity theft scam,“ Madigan said.