Protect Yourself After Hurricane Sandy, Too

Baltimore, MD - In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, your home, yard, automobile or business may be in need of repairs as a result of wind and/or water damage. Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler urges you to be wary of home repair scams and other attempts to defraud consumers that often follow in the wake of a large storm's destructive path.

"We hope the worst fears about Hurricane Sandy do not come true, but Marylanders should nonetheless always be on guard for the flood of con artists who try to take advantage of consumers after a big storm. These swindlers will try to rip off families and business owners who are desperate to get their storm damage fixed," said Attorney General Gansler. "Be careful with door-to-door salesmen using high pressure tactics to get your hard-earned money. That money may vanish while the repair goes undone." 

The vast majority of home repair contractors, tree removal companies and car repair shops in Maryland are reputable businesses doing good work for their customers. Many are eager to help their neighbors and their communities recover from a disaster. These are people you are likely to know and trust. Attorney General Gansler urges consumers to be wary of people you do not know who solicit you at your home or business.

Warning signs that consumers should look for following severe weather include:

Traveling salesmen who come knocking on your door immediately after a disaster
High-pressure sales tactics
Demands for up-front payments
Demands for an immediate decision
Advance-fee loans that "guarantee" a loan to rebuild your home or business

More