CAUTION: Fake contractors wanting to help fix damaged homes after storms

In the wake of people in the Coulee Region cleaning up from storms, there will inevitably be groups trying to take advantage.

Jerad Albrecht with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade ​and Consumer Protection, calls them storm chasers.

“They are traveling contractors who go door to door, pretending to help people whose houses have been damaged in a recent storm,” Albrecht said. “They go state to state and are very hard to track if they successfully scam you.”

Albrecht added that there were three common outcomes for people who were victimized by the scam artists.

“They could require a high cost for poor quality work, or take the money and run.” Albrecht said. “We’ve also seen them charge an upfront cost and then continuously request more money as the project goes on.”

Thankfully, there are things you can do to protect yourself.

“You should go to trusted, local contractors and look for referrals from friends and family,” Albrecht said. “If you are worried, contact the police to check them out, and paperwork, you’ll need a written contract that has a start and completion date on it.”

The agency has heard reports — mostly in central and northern Wisconsin — of those who dealt with tree damage and down power lines as a result of high winds.