CROSSLAKE — Tornadoes, golf ball-sized hail and 120 mph winds left a path of destruction from the Whitefish Chain to Aitkin earlier this month. And as communities in Northeastern Minnesota reel from recent floods, homeowners all over the Northland should be cautious of scam artists and phony businesses offering services like tree cleanup and roof repair in the wake of a storm.
Crow Wing County Sheriff Eric Klang said it’s important for homeowners to do their homework on contracting companies, to make sure they’re licensed, bonded and insured.
"Anytime that you have a big storm that comes through, they're going to bring everybody out of the woodwork, you know, trying to take advantage of those homeowners," he said.
"When you look at the storm damage that happens to your house or to your property, I mean, it becomes really overwhelming. So people, they're worried about being able to get another person to come over there. These people are right there, right now. They know how to work the system and know how to work on your feelings."
Matt Kline in the Crosslake area reported his home was moderately damaged in the June 12 storm, and of the 40 scam calls he received, he answered one and reported some aggressive tactics.
"One just said they were in Crosslake, and I never heard of the company," Kline said. " ... Then they asked if I had a signed contract and I said yes, which I don't, but ... if I didn't say [I had a signed contract], then they would have kept pushing for me to have them come out."
While scams like these make headlines in hurricane-hit places on the Atlantic coast, Kline urged fellow Minnesotans to be assertive when handling these scammers.
"[Do] not let people pressure you, because I know a lot of people are kind of like Minnesota passive-aggressive. They'll just say, 'OK,' and then have [the scammers] make it sound like it's a really good deal ... but take advantage of [the homeowners]."
According to the Federal Trade Commission, unlicensed contractors and scammers make promises of quick repairs or clean-up services, but often demand cash payments up front, offer discounts if homeowners agree to sign right away or request homeowners sign over insurance checks.
Other scam indicators include refusing to share copies of their license, insurance or a contract for the job in writing.
