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Shopper's Market: Avoid Contractor Fraud

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  • Description

    Tips for hurricane victims and other homeowners to avoid scammers

  • Duration 2:07
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Homeowners who found themselves in the path of hurricane Irene should be on the look out -- scanners.

A recent survey by Louisiana State University -- 61% of respondents were victims of contractor fraud in the three years after Katrina.

So how do you make sure you're not next Tom Chrysler as a nationally syndicated radio host and author of my home my money -- your guide to every home improvement adventure.

There are groups of contractors that do nothing but follow the -- of those storms.

They know there's going to be a lot of home repair work to be done afterwards they want to be first on the scene wanna take advantage of you they don't treat you fairly and they can often rip you off.

Chrysler says your first line of defense is to avoid contractors who contact you first.

I'm not gonna cardboard or contract during a comparison of the calls me on the phone even if I need a contractor right then and there.

That's just not a good thing to do be aware of what Chrysler calls panic peddlers such as it waterproofing.

Contractors.

A lot of them will tell you that your walls collapse in if you don't put in.

-- drainage systems for very expensive if you flooded just because of the hurricane.

Do not put in a water proofing system you just need -- drainage improvement Chrysler says you still have to watch out for the hard sell now foremost excess of -- and home improvement while you're at it.

Just hire them for what needs to be done now.

And then move on from there make sure to keep track of all documents.

And contacts.

You call the insurance company they tell you do something get something fixed rate down get a name get a number and proceed very carefully right there also -- -- hiring an independent public insurance adjuster.

There consultants who work for a small percentage of claims but they will make sure you don't get scammed and that you get every dime coming to you.

More information is available at the national association of public adjusters website that any PIA dot com.

-- Christian a contractor who asks you to paperwork upfront.

But if you've done your homework and sign a contract with someone new tracks -- -- about 10% is a reasonable number to put down.

In New York Brenda Buttner Fox News.

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