KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich. — If you're working to clean up after Tuesday's storms, the Better Business Bureau in Western Michigan (BBB) is encouraging you to keep an eye out for potential scams.
The BBB said scammers called "storm chasers" often target people looking for help cleaning up after severe weather damages their home or property.
In Southwest Michigan, four tornadoes hit on Tuesday evening, with two of those touching down in Portage just hours apart.
The storms caused severe damage ranging from uprooted trees to roofs blown off buildings. Some homes and businesses were destroyed. While no serious injuries were reported, the Kalamazoo County Sheriff said there are an estimated 16 to 20 people who sustained injuries in the Oak Brook Estates mobile home park in Portage alone.
Officials confirm one woman was rescued from under her mobile home. In the nearby FedEx Center, about 50 employees were temporarily trapped inside when the roof and front of the building blew off.
Severe storm damage in West Michigan
Crews are now working to clean up the debris and restore power.
The BBB said homeowners should be wary of anyone going door-to-door to see if homeowners want to hire them to clean up and be careful when searching for services on social media.
Katie Grevious with the BBB said it's important not to rush into decisions after severe weather damages your home.
"We want to get back to normal as quickly as possible," Grevious said. "But we need to make sure that we take a breath, and that we're thinking clearly so that we can make the right decisions for us and our homes, and not act impulsively because scammers and bad businesses, they know that that is an easy way to get in to get you to pay for things, to get you to sign things without really thinking them through, and then it's easy for them to take advantage of you."
Grevious said it's alright for neighbors to offer a helping hand, and that legitimate businesses are reaching out to victims in Southwest Michigan. However, the BBB said you should do your research before you decide to hire a certain business or contractor.
"It's really important that even if you do find someone who reaches out to you and it's a neighbor or someone who claims to be in your community, do that little quick Google search, check them out, check out their company, check to see if they have a license, if they're maybe an independent contractor or handyman," Grevious said. "Just cover your bases."
You should follow these tips to avoid falling for scams:
- Assess the damage and document. Determine what needs to be fixed right away and what can truly wait. Take photos and video if possible.
- Contact your insurance company. Ask about your policy coverage and specific filing requirements. Save all receipts, including those for food, temporary lodging, or other expenses that may be covered under your policy.
- Do your research. Visit bbb.org to find companies you can trust with the BBB seal. Get references from friends and relatives.
- Only hire licensed and insured contractors. Verify the contractor has a valid license to do the work. While most tree companies do not require state licensing, roofers and other repair companies likely do need to be licensed. You can check on builders licensing with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs or call the Residential Builders' Section at 517-241-9309.
- Resist high-pressure sales. Be proactive in selecting a contractor and not reactive to sales calls on the phone or door-to-door pitches with too-good-to-be-true offers on price and timelines.
- Get multiple bids and seek referrals.
- Get a written contract and read it. Make sure any verbal promises are included, as well as the agreed upon price, specific work to be done and the start date and expected completion date. Obtain a signed copy of the final contract before work is started and make sure you understand it.
- Never pay the full amount up front. Contractors may require a downpayment to cover materials, but full payment should not be due until the work is complete and you are satisfied. If you have to pay a portion of the cost before any work begins, be sure to have a signed contract in place that outlines the payment terms and be able to see the items you are purchasing.
- Don't sign over insurance checks to contractors. Get an invoice from the contractor and pay them directly. If the business allows it, consider paying with a credit card, which offers additional fraud protection over other forms of payment. Don’t sign any documents that give the contractor rights to your insurance claims.
If you're looking for a contractor to help clean up, check the BBB's list of severe weather resources here.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and on your phone.