Winter weather often tests us and that was the case a little more than a week ago.
We had freezing rain hours before it was forecast to hit. That lasted for a long time coating the trees around us with ice. The temperature stayed at 31 and it rained all day. The ice continued to build as the freezing rain continued to fall.
By evening, we were hearing the combined sounds of sleet hitting the windows, limbs creaking, and branches breaking from the weight of the ice. We couldn’t see where the limbs were falling but knew that the crashes were close. Then it turned to snow.
Daylight brought the opportunity to see the damage. Limbs were down everywhere, across roads and power lines. Driveways were long lanes of branches and debris. Ice coated everything. Our cable was out but we have an antenna so we could see what damage had been done in our tri-state area.
Think about how widespread the effect of Winter Storm Landon has been. A swath of damage from Texas to New England has impacted millions of people. Think about the opportunity for not-so-scrupulous people!
It’s another of those Moments of Opportunity for scammers! A big storm hits, and there is a lot of damage to a lot of people. We need plowed out of a considerable amount of ice and snow. We need debris removed so we can safely navigate. We need repairs to fences, gates, homes. We need repairs to electric lines. Some people have been affected by flooding. We need people who will help us!
Scammers come out of the woodwork when Moments of Opportunity like this arise! They will email, call, text, and show up at your door. Be cautious.
Here are some tips to help you from getting snowed under by a scammer:
*Make sure that you work with and have written contracts with legitimate businesses. Check for license numbers of contractors.
*Ask for ID if approached by someone who claims to be an insurance agent, a utility worker, or a contractor. If you are still in doubt, contact the company at the number in the directory or on their webpage. Do not use the number provided by the person you’re checking.
*Federal agencies will not call and ask for financial account information. There is no fee to apply for or get disaster assistance.
*Watch out for scammers impersonating insurance companies. Do not give account numbers or other information related to your policy. YOU initiate the call to your insurance representative for claim information.
*Beware of disaster relief charity scams. Check on the legitimacy of the organization before sending any money and do not offer credit card numbers. There are several sources to verify charities.
Disasters are traumatizing. We need things repaired or land cleared or our roads opened, and there is a sense of urgency to getting back to some degree of normal. But don’t be pressured by a bad deal that could last longer than the effects of the storm. Hold on to your information and money until you’re sure the business is legitimate.
Stay safe.
