Scam Warning: Storm Chasers Targeting MN Homes

This spring has really been challenging for so many people. We've had storm after storm do a lot of damage to people's homes and property all across Minnesota, and when that happens, worry can set in. Will insurance help cover these damages? How long will it take to find out? Are the costs going to be more than you can afford?

When you are in a state of fear, it's easy to make quick, snap decisions. The Better Business Bureau encourages you to make temporary repairs if you must, but don't do anything until you contact your insurance company and make them aware of what has happened.

BBB IS OFFERING ADVICE

First, the BBB encourages you to remember to take pictures of all of your buildings and property immediately. You'll need pictures before you attempt repairs or anything at all. It would also be wise to take video footage of any damage done to your property.

Once you've taken photos and video footage of your property, you will want to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Hopefully, you have paperwork for your policy at home, but if not, you need to print it and make sure you read through it to understand what your policy covers. Many policies will not cover your repairs if you don't get them approved before you complete them.

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WATCH OUT FOR 'STORM CHASERS'

When I say 'Storm Chaser,' I'm not talking about the storm chasers like you see in the movie Twister. We are talking about companies that use high pressure to get you to sign a contract because you'll only get them if you hire them on the spot. That is NOT the company for you.

Check out ALL of the contractors that you are considering on the BBB website. There could be someone who comes to your door claiming to be a reputable business owner in your area, and there is a possibility that they are an impostor. Don't sign deals on the spot. Real professional contractors are not going to pressure you. They are confident in what they do, and do NOT need to pressure you into making an on-the-spot decision. Storm Chasers will typically ask you to pay for everything up front. That should be a major red flag for you.

RELATED: Beware: MnDot Warns You of New Scam In Minnesota

PAYING CONTRACTORS

The BBB also recommends that you never pay contractors with insurance checks. You should get an invoice and pay the contractor yourself. Read all documents being provided to you by the contractor, and make sure there is nothing in there that says you give them rights to your insurance claims. That is BAD!

Other tips that the BBB wants you to know are that you can't always trust people to inspect your home. Some will do damage to your home in areas you can't see, just to get the work. So, make sure to ask for pictures of the damage they have found to make sure that the pictures are actually from your home. Also, it's a good idea to 'know your home.' Make a checklist of these things:

• Roof
• Siding
• Gutters
• Exterior areas of your home

TAKE PICTURES NOW

It's a good idea to take pictures of your home right now, before any storm damage is done, so that you know exactly what your home looked like at a certain point in time.

I walk around my house several times a year to check everything. Getting to know your home will help you should the unimaginable happen.

THE FINAL PRO TIP

I want to leave you with this. The BBB has one final pro tip:

'BBB also warns contractors to beware of storm chasers who offer to pay local construction companies substantial amounts of money to use the business's established name, reputation, and phone number and sell on their behalf. These storm chasers then masquerade as a local business, collect the insurance money, and skip town, leaving the real business to deal with unsatisfied customers due to bad workmanship, unfinished work, or unfulfilled warranties.'