COLUMBUS, Ohio — Winter storms can bring a higher increase of potential scams. Lee Anne Lanigan from the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio explained.

What You Need To Know

  • The Better Business Bureau warns people to protect themselves from scams following the winter storm

  • The BBB calls these scammers "storm chasers"

  • You should check with your insurance and get references before hiring anyone to fix damage on your house, car, etc, from a storm

“Any storm is an opportunity for somebody to make money from someone else,” Lanigan said.

The BBB of Central Ohio warned people who were affected by the recent snow storms that they could be the perfect target for scammers. Judy Dollison, the President of the BBB of Central Ohio, called them “storm chasers”

“They go into a community that’s been hit, they know people are upset and may be facing a lot of damage to their property, so they’re going to capitalize on that emotion,” Dollison said.

Dollison said you should be concerned if someone tries to make you take action immediately.

“They typically are door to door they walk up to you and they say ‘You know you’ve got damage to your roof, you’ve got damager to your pipes,’ and ‘We can fix this for you but you have to sign up today,’” Dollison said.

BBB Central of Ohio’s president said to do research before hiring someone to do repairs.

“Make sure that they’re licensed and have the right credentials and the right services to match what your needs are,” Dollison said.

Lanigan, the director of investigations for the BBB of Central Ohio, stressed how important it is to slow down when looking for someone to help.

“Contact your insurance company and work closely with your agent and then your agent will direct your probably to get two to three estimates, that’s what we always say,” Lanigan said.

Dollison explained contractors can also be targets for scammers. She said they will target an honest company and pretend to act as a potential subcontractor.

“They will work under the name of a legitimate business and they sometimes will either not fulfill the commitments that they make or they will just take the money and run and not even show up,” Dollison said.

The BBB recommended asking for references or asking to split the payments to make sure the work people do is completed.