Just as the big thaw follows a big freeze, scam artists follow storms. And once again, we’re hearing from people who’ve fallen victim to that nice guy who just “happened by” their home to offer help with:

• The snow-plowed in or snow-covered driveway
• The ice damming that’s working away at damaging your roof
• The “imminent” roof collapse that’s just a heartbeat away
• The ice-enveloped trees that need to be saved right now or die from exposure

Don’t be among the people who agree to fork over $1500 in cash for quick snow removal from roofs. That could be double what it should cost you – and it won’t take you long to check out any quote you get using Angie’s List or by comparing those three estimates from roofing contractors you should get before you hire anyone anyway.

Snow removal experts abound!  The good ones are probably busy, but many of them will recommend other good contractors if you’re in a pinch and they can’t get to you. One highly rated service pro told us he’s aware of a guy who raked in $28,000 in ONE week using smarmy, high pressure tactics. Did he leave behind damage that the homeowner will have to pay for? Did he do good work? Who knows?! That guy is in the wind because the work was done for cash with no record of who did it. So the homeowners he took can only hope he did good work and that they won’t be calling their homeowners insurance agent for help with the repairs. Trees have been living through harsh winters for longer than humans have been landscaping. Call in tree service experts who can show you they know their stuff. They’ll know what your trees need – if anything.

Red flags:

• Companies/contractors offering steep discounts or insist on cash payment if you let them work right now.
• The pressure pitch:  Yes, you may be in danger of a roof collapse, but you don’t have to decide right now as you stand in your doorway talking to the stranger who says he or she can save you. Take the time to get three estimates and check references. Chances are, your roof won’t collapse in the time it takes to do your homework, and you’ll find a reputable contractor who will be there come spring should that roof repair start leaking.
• Blade? Yes. Insurance? No:  That Good Samaritan who plows your drive and disappears won’t bear the cost if he destroys your or your neighbor’s car or mailbox: you will.

Check out more tips on how to find reliable help for any storm disaster – it’s out there and we have the consumer reviews to prove it. If you’ve already been scammed, let us know. We try to find you help to fix it.