LANSING – Attorney General Dana Nessel is reminding residents of important consumer alerts to avoid additional hardship during storm cleanup and recovery.
“Bad actors look for emergency situations to con people out of their hard-earned money,” Nessel said. “These resources are designed to help Michigan residents avoid common scams and to provide tools to help vet any contractor or charity before opening your pocketbook.”
If your home or property is damaged from the storm, Nessel urges residents to research contractors to avoid having an emergency repair become a financial disaster. Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) recommends Michiganders first ask for the contractor's 10-digit “residential builder license number.” That number can then be easily verified on LARA’s website. On the website, select “Verify A License,” then choose “Construction: Residential Builders, Electricians, Plumbers, Etc.” From there, enter the contractor’s license number to confirm their credentials.
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Residential Builders can fully reconstruct a home from the ground up.
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Residential Maintenance and Alteration Contractors specialize in specific trades, such as roofing, siding, carpentry, and more.
While tree services are not licensed, it’s important consumers vet them as thoroughly as other contractors and request written quotes outlining the total project cost before signing any agreements. This will help consumers avoid potential price gouging and other predatory business practices, especially during emergencies.
The Better Business Bureau is also a helpful resource to research local companies and contractors when navigating repairs and cleanup.
From hiring a tree-trimmer to a roofer to a general contractor, Nessel encourages impacted residents to always take the following steps before signing any contracts or placing deposits:
- Get in touch with your insurance company;
- Speak to a local licensed professional;
- Review credentials and references;
- Get more than one written estimate; and
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Ask for a contract and read it carefully.
“If the offer is too good to be true, remember, it often is,” Nessel continued. “Scammers rely on high-pressure tactics. Even in an emergency situation, be sure to always read the fine print before signing any contracts or making any deposits.”
The ice storms took out power for tens of thousands of residents, with some still waiting to be restored. Nessel is also reissuing her Utility Imposter Scams Consumer Alert. These types of scams often involve a threat to turn off a utility unless the resident pays a certain amount of money in a short amount of time. But scammers can also impersonate a utility company to convince a consumer a utility - like electricity - can be fixed sooner if they pay an additional fee.
The State of Michigan has a dedicated site for additional resources due to this storm, or residents can call 2-1-1 for local help.
To file a complaint with the Attorney General or get additional information, contact:
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