Photo: Ks0stm
Oklahoma Attorney
General Scott Pruitt Tuesday issued a warning for Oklahomans and donors around
the country to beware of charity fraud and scams following the severe storms in
Oklahoma.
“For those folks
around the country who want to donate funds to help families in Oklahoma,
please be alert and only donate to reputable relief charities such as the
Salvation Army or the Red Cross,” Pruitt said. “The first scam we typically see
after devastation like this is charity fraud. We have more than 30
investigators in the field to help Oklahomans avoid scams, fraud, and price
gouging as communities work to recover and rebuild.”
Investigators for the
Attorney General’s Office ask that consumers who suspect charity fraud or
experiences price gouging at gas stations, grocery stores, rental car
companies, or hotels to call the agency’s hotline number immediately at
405-521-2029.
Over the next few
weeks, criminals will shift focus to scams involving clean-up, removal, home
repair, and tree trimming, he said.
“Home and business
owners will want to quickly repair their property, but we urge them to be
cautious and patient and to use reputable contractors,” Pruitt said. “We ask
that residents pay particular attention to criminals known as ‘travelers’ who
go from one community to the next to take advantage of vulnerable Oklahomans.”
Pruitt cautioned
Oklahomans to be wary of repair services and contractors who:
- Solicit for work
door-to-door.
- Offer discounts for finding other
customers.
- “Just happen to have” materials left
over from a previous job.
- Accept only cash payments.
- Pressure you for an immediate decision.
- Ask you to pay for the entire job
up-front.
The Attorney General’s Office suggests the following tips
for choosing a qualified contractor or repair service:
- Ask for referrals from people you trust.
- Try to do business with local
companies.
- Request to see proof of certification
and insurance.
- Check out the repair service with the
Attorney General’s Public Protection Unit and the Better Business Bureau.
- Ask for customer references.
- Get written estimates from several
companies.
- Don’t do business without a written
contract.
- Get all guarantees, warranties, and
promises in writing.
- Agree on start and completion dates,
and have them in the contract.
For more tips and resources, go online to www.oag.ok.gov/oagweb.nsf/Consumer,
or call the Public Protection Unit at 405-521-2029.
