After Dallas Tornado, Beware of Fraud, Scams
People who were impacted by the north Dallas tornado and other recent weather-related destruction in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are advised to be on guard for contractor fraud and other scams.
Susan Williams, an associate state director for AARP Texas who is based in Dallas, said disasters can bring out the best in people, with neighbors and others working to help others pick up the pieces. But she noted that they also bring out the worst in scammers, and can add to the troubles facing those who have been hit by bad weather.
"We're committed to providing residents with the information they need to avoid being victims of frauds and scams," Williams said.
Williams said the Senior Source's Elder Financial Safety Center is a trusted resource for people to get information. They can be reached at 214-823-5700 or https://theseniorsource.org/elder-financial-safety-center/
She said other Dallas-area resources include: the City of Dallas
and the Dallas Area Agency on Aging. Residents in the area also can call 2-1-1 for assistance. The City of Dallas also has identied these additional resources for storm recovery: https://www.dallascitynews.net/resources-residents-affected-october-20-storm
It's not uncommon for dubious contractors to descend on affected communities, offering quick, cheap fixes for battered homes and businesses or rapid removal of debris, for payment up front. Such “storm chasers” are merely shady and overcharge for shoddy work. (And since they lack local licensing, your homeowner’s insurance might not cover it.) Others are outright scammers who take your money and run. There’s more on avoiding home repair scams elsewhere in AARP’s Fraud Resource Center.
In general, customers should beware of contractors who solicit services door-to-door, especially those who pressure you into signing a contract on the spot or who are not from the area. The Texas Attorney General's office advises residents to record the salesperson's license plate number for additional information to report in the event of a scam.
Consumers who believe they are victim to or witness a scam can report it to the Texas Attorney General's office at (800) 621-0508. Consumers can also report fraudulent activity online at: www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/cpd/file-a-consumer-complaint.
Also of concern are fraudsters claiming to work for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or other government bodies contact victims with promises of grants, building permits or help speeding up insurance claims, if you pay a deposit or fee. A genuine FEMA inspector will not ask for money or personal information. Scammers may also pose as public insurance adjusters, charging high fees for doubtful damage assessments or directing you to disreputable contractors with whom they’re in league.
Disasters also unleash bogus charities, which may push out calls, text, emails and social media posts soliciting donations for relief work. You’ll find more on spotting charity scams in the Fraud Resource Center.
AARP’s Fraud Watch Network can help you spot and avoid scams. Sign up for free “watchdog alerts," review our scam-tracking map, or call our toll-free fraud helpline if you or a loved one suspect you’ve been a victim.
