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DA's office warns seniors of post-storm contractor scams
File photo: Damage seen after Thursday night's storm in Camarillo Springs on Friday, Dec. 12, 2014.
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Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
Shady or unlicensed contractors will be looking to capitalize on seniors trying to cope with their storm-damaged homes, according to a statement from the District Attorney's office.
Advertisements for cheap roof repair, flood protection or other services will be making the rounds on social media, through flyers and other publications and "may sound appealing to a senior on a fixed income," the statement reads.
"Sometimes the workmanship is so poor that the job has to be redone later," the statement continues. "In some cases, contractors will require a very large payment before getting started and, once they get paid, the work is never finished."
The DA's office offers these tips for seniors:
Always ask contractors if they are licensed
Verify that a contractor is properly licensed through the state's Contractors State License Board
Get three estimates from different contractors before selecting who will do the work
Know the law: a contractor furnishing home improvement services may not charge a down payment of more than $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract amount, whichever is less
Do not make a final payment until the job is done
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