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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Don't Get Fooled By Severe Weather Home Repair Scams

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Friday, April 10, 2015   

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Spring storms can wreak havoc on Illinois homes, and local consumer watchdogs are warning people to beware of scam artists offering steep discounts.

Former FBI Agent Bob Denz said scam artists usually say they happened to be in the neighborhood and have a crew available right now. It's a simple operation that he said rakes in billions of dollars each year nationwide from unsuspecting consumers.

"Those billions of dollars are very attractive to con artists trying to sell you a repair job," he said. "They often work in pairs, and also the other thing the con artist needs is to rush you into this - a low-ball figure, but 'You have to tell me now.' "

He said the Better Business Bureau ranks this scam among the top 10 that currently are preying on consumers in Illinois and the nation.

Steve Bernas, president and chief executive of the BBB serving Chicago and Northern Illinois, said there are some things to consider when choosing a contractor to repair property damage. He advised asking for proof of licensing and bonding, getting several quotes from different companies and never paying with cash.

"That's usually what we call the sign of the tipoff to the ripoff, especially if you have to pay up front," he said. "Because, really, you should pay in the third: third in the beginning, third in the middle, and third at the end of the contract itself when you are satisfied. But never paying cash."

Bernas said prices are typically higher immediately after a storm, so it's best to wait a few days to hire someone. But when a basement is flooded, trees are downed or windows are broken, Bernas said homeowners often want to get the problem fixed as soon as possible.

"They bank on this information that you have really no choice and you go with the first person that comes up to your door," he said. "So, it's hard to turn those people away, but you've got to do the research on those organizations. Otherwise, you could end up losing thousands of dollars or being scammed in some way."

Bernas recommended getting a written contract that specifies the price and time frame for the work. Illinois state law requires a written contract with all costs enumerated for home repair or remodeling work of more than $1,000.


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