(Omaha, NE/KETV) – The Iowa Attorney General is warning of scams as recovery efforts begin. The federal government is also offering tips on how to make sure you don’t fall victim. Experts warn homeowners to heed caution through the cleanup. Dan Reuting, with the Professional Remodeling Organization of Nebraska-Omaha, told KETV the concern is that the people who were hit by the April 26th storms are taken care of, long after the tents are gone and when they need to start rebuilding. The remodeling organization said scammers will target these areas and vulnerable homeowners. “Being affordable and good are not always synonymous,” Reuting said. “Most of them, they’re just looking to cut a corner,” he said, “And when you’re looking for warranty work and to make sure your stuff’s done right. Having a local number to call is always a good thing.”
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has some advice too. “Beware of high-pressure sales. Some of these con artists or bad contractors go door to door. And if a homeowner doesn’t sign right away for the repairs, they say, ‘Well, it’ll probably be three to six months before we can get to you.’ That’s a high-pressure sales tactic. So don’t fall for it.” Bird said her office is ready to hold bad actors accountable. But first, homeowners have to report it. 
“If any Iowan is having something happen where someone shows up, says they’re helping, helping to clean up and hands them a bill unexpectedly, call my office right away,” Bird said. “Sometimes these storms also bring out the scammers, the shady contractors and those who are looking to make money off of other people’s tough luck. And so we stand ready to hold those people accountable.”
The Federal Trade Commission warns FEMA and the small business administration will never ask for an application fee for assistance. They add anyone who asks you to pay in full upfront is usually bad news. Bird said to make a careful and critical examination of your contractors, make sure you communicate with your insurance, not them, and get everything in writing. And, if you’ve been swindled, call the Iowa Attorney General’s office at 1-888-777-4590. You can also file a complaint form Iowa here.
Bird says “We will do everything that we can to help to hold them accountable and to help Iowans get their homes and businesses repaired.”
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