Repairing your home after a disaster can be very stressful. Here are a few ways to help protect yourself from unlicensed contractors and con artists:
- Be extremely cautious of anyone coming to your home uninvited and offering to do home repairs.
- Obtain a written estimate or contract.
- Never pay with cash.
- Be sure to note an address, telephone number and license numbers.
- Ask for references and check them out.
- Insist on start and completion dates in the contract, and do not pay the final balance until the work is completed to your satisfaction.
- If you suspect insurance fraud, call the Florida Department of Financial Services Consumer Help Line at 1-800-342-2762 or visit www.myfloridacfo.com/fraud.(WRONG URL)
- If you suspect you’ve encountered scammers, call the Attorney General’s office or visit myfloridalegal.com.