Although the cleaning industry has been quite useful to homeowners for the past years, it has also been a victim of fraud and frauds against consumers. After a flood happens, it is likely that scammers will come knocking on your door and offer you something known as a, "Flood Damage Cleanup" contract and if you don't know how to differentiate a scammer from a genuine cleaning contractor, you'll end up with a large cash outlay for an cleaning contract that will never be fulfilled.
Scammers are very good at what they do and they know that the right time to come to you is when you, the homeowner, are in panic and do not know where or how to start with a flood damage cleanup project. The key to avoiding these scams is to always stay objective and be extremely inquisitive. Keep in mind that you always have the right to be thorough in asking questions about any contract or service being offered to you.
The first thing you should ask someone offering you a cleanup contract is their identification. If he or she is from a company, then an official ID with a company logo or insignia should be visible. Also, ask for the company's credibility such as licenses and past experiences/recommendations. Asking around your community and state/county office for feedback about the company in question is always a good idea.
Also, check the damage contract being offered to you. Check it carefully or have your attorney review it. A contract should cover essential details such as services, cost, modes of payment, licensing and insurance coverage for on-site accidents.
Insurance is very important when it comes to the remediation of flood damage cleanup since any accidents involving the uninsured crew or contractor will be under your tab. You should only hire an insured contractor to avoid any bodily injury claims.
After you find that the company is offering you a legal flood damage cleanup and the terms of the contract are in order, have the company start right away. Water damages can be minimized or avoided if a cleanup is done at the soonest possible time. If the company requires payment before the start of the contract, never pay in full. Make a realistic down payment and pay through check. This way you leave a paper trail.
In closing... After an event hits, you should beware of cleaning contract frauds. Disasters such as flooding always entice scammers since you are most vulnerable especially upon seeing the extensive amount of cleanup that needs to be done in your homes.
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