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avdailynews.com
Jan 29, 2018

Fraudulent Contractors Can See Opportunity in Natural Disaster Victims’ Tragedy


Property owners rebuilding homes damaged or destroyed by natural disasters should be cautious of contractors seeking to take advantage of their misfortune.

Fraudulent Contractor Scams typically fall into two categories: Contractors working without a license and contractors – licensed or not – whose work is substandard or never completed.

Criminal penalties for either during a declared state of emergency are significantly higher. Unlicensed contractors who seek to repair property damaged by a natural disaster face fines of up to $10,000, three years in jail or both. Contractors convicted of defrauding a property owner or tenant for repairs to a structure damaged by a natural disaster can be fined up to $25,000.

TIPS:

  • Hire licensed and insured contractors. Check a contractor’s license status with the Contractors State License Board at cslb.ca.gov. Disaster victims may call the board’s hotline at (800) 962-1125.

  • Ask friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers for contractor recommendations.

  • Ask contractors to provide references.

  • Don’t hire contractors who ask for the entire payment up front.

  • Have a knowledgeable friend, relative or attorney review the repair contract before signing it.

Follow @LADAOffice on Twitter and Instagram for up-to-date news and use #FraudFriday

CREDIT: LA COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY

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