How to Avoid Monsoon Repair Scams

BBB Advises Local Residents on How to Avoid Monsoon Repair Scams 

(Prescott, Arizona – July 6, 2011) After recent monsoon activity, Arizona residents can count on two natural occurrences continuing this summer – excessive heat and more monsoons. Unfortunately there is something else likely to blow in with our summer storms, monsoon repair scams. 

“Each year around this time, we begin to receive calls from homeowners whose property was damaged due to monsoon activity. A common factor in these calls is that the homeowner trusted an unknown “contractor” who knocked on their door offering help with their repair needs,” said BBB President/CEO Matthew Fehling. “Unfortunately, most scenarios end up with the homeowner being scammed out of their hard-earned money and left with the repair job incomplete.” 

Homeowners with repair needs this monsoon season should keep in mind the following: 

  • Most licensed contractors don’t wander neighborhoods knocking on doors looking for work. 
  • If the person at your door claims they did work for someone else in your neighborhood, don’t just take their word for it, ask your neighbor. 
  • Obtain the name and address of the company that person allegedly represents to check the company licensing with the Registrar of Contractors (ROC) at www.azroc.gov.  
  • Visit www.arizonabbb.org and click on the Accredited Business Directory to get a list of local, BBB accredited companies to help with monsoon related repairs.  
  • Don’t succumb to high-pressure sale tactics in person or over the phone with contractors who offer special “monsoon” deals.  
  • Do not pay cash in full before work begins. 
  • Obtain multiple quotes from contractors and companies before making a final decision on who will help with the monsoon related repair. 

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For more information or to request an interview with a BBB spokesperson, contact Mary Hawkes at 928-772-3410 or email mhawkes@arizonabbb.org. 

About BBB Serving Central, Northern & Western Arizona

BBB is an unbiased organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. Incorporated locally in 1938, today your BBB serves communities in Central, Northern and Western Arizona, supported by over 9,600 BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust.

 Mary Hawkes | Director, Yavapai County Office
Tel:   928-772-3410
Fax:  928-771-1343
Email: mhawkes@arizonabbb.org
www.arizonabbb.org 

Better Business Bureau of Central, Northern & Western Arizona
4428 North 12th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014
1569 West Gurley Street, Prescott, AZ  86305