By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Not all contractor work is created equally. Following any disaster, property owners are looking for the ability to repair properties as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. That opens the door for possible scams. Sunflower Bank Community Development Officer Becca Maxwell said prevention starts with the basics.
"Read that contract carefully," she said. "Contract requirements vary by state and we've seen our local chamber of commerce educate our community on who they have information on. Before you sign a contract, make sure it includes that contractor's name, address, phone number, and license number."
All blank spaces in the application should be filled in so they cannot be changed later. Consumers should ask about rights to cancel the contract, and always ensure the contractor is licensed and insured. Financially, consumers should be aware of contractors making deals with goods left over from previous projects, as well as those who push for immediate decisions.
"That's something we see at the bank," Maxwell said. "Scammers make sure there is an emotion and an immediate response. And the other thing is scammers ask you to pay for everything upfront and only accept cash. Definitely be mindful of that."
Maxwell said the easiest way to avoid scams is to use local contractors with proven histories. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations of companies they know and trust.