Consumer Advisory


June 2008	By Attorney General Tom Miller
Alert: Consumer Scams after Tornadoes and Floods
It's the definition of "adding insult to injury" -- con-artists trying to cheat tornado or flood victims. We’ve seen it in past disasters. Traveling "scam-artists" sometimes migrate into storm or flood areas. Why? Because there may be a high demand for repairs and clean-up, but a shortage of contractors. Because money may be available from disaster payments or insurance. And because people may let their guard down when they are in a hurry to recover from a tornado or flood. Con-artists strike vulnerable people. Fraudulent contractors may drive through damaged areas, and may give you a “hard sell” offering low prices or quick work. They almost always insist that you pay in advance -- but then they fail to do the work, or do minimal work and disappear. Follow these tips to protect yourself from scams in the wake of a disaster: Check out a contractor before you sign a contract or pay any money. Try to deal with an established, reputable, local contractor. Check references. Ask the Attorney General's Office if it has received complaints (515-281-5926 or 888-777-4590.) Get it in writing! Get several written estimates for the job, and get a written contract detailing work to be done, responsibility for permits, costs, and any other promises. Don’t pay large sums in advance! Con-artists may just “take the money and run.” If you have to make a partial advance payment for materials, make your check out to the supplier and the contractor. IF you suspect a scam, report it to the AG Office or local authorities. Report price-gouging to the Attorney General. Iowa has a rule against price-gouging that goes into effect in counties with a disaster declaration. Price-gouging is charging very high prices that are not justified, and take advantage of disaster victims. Go to for much more detail on preventing scams, for helpful links to FEMA and the Iowa Emergency Management Division, and for more information on safety tips for flood victims, the price-gouging rule, donation scams, etc. Contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Div., Des Moines, IA 50319. Call 888-777-4590 (toll-free) or 515-281-5926. Go to www.IowaAttorneyGeneral.org. Return to Consumer Advisories Home