Wilmington – Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden issued a warning to Delawareans today to remain vigilant against scams artists attempting to defraud homeowners in the aftermath of severe weekend storms.

“The sad fact is that there are criminals who are always looking to take advantage of innocent people following a natural disaster” Biden said.  “Whether you are repairing damage to your home or yard, helping a neighbor, or looking to donate to a charity to help others, there are a few steps you should take to ensure you avoid falling victim to a scam artist.”

Biden offered the following guidelines to avoid home improvement scams:

·         Make sure a contractor is licensed and bonded.

·         Get references and follow-up on them. Ask your neighbors about a contractor’s reputation, and check them out with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org).

·         Be wary of door-to-door solicitations.

·         Never pay for work up front. Full payment shouldn’t be made until the job has been completed to your satisfaction.

·         Always obtain a written proposal, including cost estimate; consider obtaining multiple proposals and estimates.

·         Call the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Hotline to report any suspected wrongdoing: 1-800-220-5424.

Biden asked anyone who suspects they have been scammed or anyone that has received a suspicious communication related to an offer of home improvement services to immediately contact the Attorney General’s toll free consumer protection hotline at 1-800-220-5424 or email the Attorney General’s consumer protection unit directly at consumer.protection@delaware.gov.

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