Homeowners with property damage due to flooding and high winds are being cautioned on home repairs scams

(Salem, OR)—The Construction Contractors Board (CCB) reminds Oregon homeowners experiencing damage from recent flooding and high winds to work only with licensed Oregon contractors.

“Don’t get taken in by out of town scam artists  going door to door, says Craig P. Smith, CCB Administrator. “The stress caused by storm damage can cause homeowners to fall prey to unscrupulous individuals seeking to take advantage of an already bad situation.”

Homeowners can easily check with the CCB to make sure the contractor is properly licensed through the agency website www.oregon.gov/CCB, or 503-378-4621.

It is important to verify a contractor’s CCB license before paying any money or signing a home repair contract. A CCB license offers some financial protection to consumers through the business’ bond and insurance.

“Be cautious of thieves pretending to be legitimate contractors,” says Robert Rambo, manager of CCB’s Field Investigation Section. “Weather events like the ones Oregonians are experiencing make homeowners prime targets.”

The CCB has the following advice on repairing your damaged property:

• Be wary of door-to-door repair solicitations, “too-good-to-be-true” bids and contractors using unmarked vehicles and vehicles with out-of-state license plates.
• Don’t pay 100 percent of the bill before the repairs are properly completed.
• Always use a properly licensed contractor.

The CCB is the state agency licensing more than 38,000 contractors. Anyone who is paid to repair, improve or build a home must be licensed by the CCB. Free consumer publications with helpful tips are available on the CCB’s website or by calling 503-378-4621.