The Kelowna wildfires are disasters which can lead to opportunities for fraud. Better Business Bureau serving Mainland BC would like to advise the public about various scams that can happen during the disaster recovery period.
“Everything from bogus disaster relief charities to fly-by-night contractors can show up in a situation like this,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO.
Last year’s California brushfires led to a public awareness campaign as itinerant contractors showed up into affected communities offering services. Due to the extensive damage and shortage of contractors, there were a large number of unqualified or shady tradespeople trying to solicit business.
In addition to crooked contractors, bogus charity solicitations can pop-up asking for monetary contributions with disaster relief.
The following are tips and guidelines to help protect you and your family from acts of fraud:
Be cautious of door-to-door contractors. In general, consumers should be the one making contact with their insurance company and any contractors to help with clean-up or reconstruction, as well as making any donations to organizations who are helping those impacted by the fires.
Identify who is contacting you. If someone approaches or contacts you in person, on the phone, or by email, you should take steps to ensure you know who they are and who they claim to be. Check the company out at the BBB website: mbc.bbb.org.
Get the name and location. Get the name and address of the company the vendor claims to represent and do your research.
Get it in writing. Ensure all details and verbal promises are included in a contract. Review it and make sure that you understand everything in the document. Never sign a contract with sections left blank.
Check for qualifications. Verify the individual is licensed, bonded, insured and has registered with WorkSafeBC (Workers’ Compensation Board).
Make cheques payable to the company. Do not pay in cash and do not make cheques payable to an individual, only the company.
Charity solicitations. Check to see they are a registered charity with Canada Revenue Agency: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/charities