Tragedies such as Hurricane Katrina and the ongoing war on terrorism in Iraq affect millions of people. Such catastrophes can bring out the best in some people, responding to the suffering of victims. And the worst in others, who use such disasters to prey upon their fellowman.
Floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, fires, and other natural disasters, as well as those created by man; perfect feeding ground for scam artists. When it comes to rip-off professionals cashing in on the misery of others, fraudulent contractors rank high on the list.
Consumers get bilked out of billions of dollars annually from crooked contractors. Through Workmen's Compensation or construction fraud - residential and commercial; by handing over huge sums of money upfront for work never performed. For poor workmanship not up to building code standards, and projects abandoned before completion.
Elderly homeowners are especially at risk; being hit upon by construction fraud con artists who advertise discounted prices for a quick response. An offer hard to refuse for persons living on a limited income.
Take the case of 82-year old Virginia Rice of Pensacola, Florida. After 2004's Hurricane Ivan, fraudulent contractors rushed to north Florida, ready to cash-in on damage caused by the storm. An incident dubbed another “Fleecing of America†by NBC News Correspondent Kerry Sanders, in which Rice was one of over 1,000 homeowners victimized.
After paying a contractor $36,000, Rice was left with a roof that sagged, requiring bracing; expensive cabinets had disappeared and paint sprayed helter-skelter throughout the kitchen. The only rooms left intact were her bedroom and bathroom - which doubled as a kitchen until repairs could be made.
More recently, the contractor fraud and corruption connected to construction work in Iraq has bilked tax payers out of billions of dollars. And stymied efforts to restore a sense of peace and equilibrium to a nation ravaged by terrorism and corruption.
As AP National Writer Deborah Hastings points out in an August 2007 article on construction in Iraq, “Corruption has long plagued Iraq construction. Hundreds of projects may never be finished…congress gave more than $30 billion to rebuild Iraq, and at least $8.8 billion of it has disappeared….â€
In response to “the war on contractor fraud,†the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges homeowners to be extremely cautious when hiring contractors. Frazzled homeowners anxious to begin the process of rebuilding disaster-damaged property are statistically “easy prey†for unscrupulous operators.
Among other screening practices, FEMA suggests checking with the Better Business Bureau to ensure they are a licensed contractor; bonded and reputable. They also advise homeowners to request proof of contractor insurance; including liability and Workers' Compensation. And most importantly, to get everything in writing.
Featured on Global News in 2006 as “an online match made in heaven,†HandyAmerican.com represents to many Canadians what HandyAmerican.com has come to represent to a growing number of Americans trying to find reliable contractor services in their area.
A project-owner-to-contractor matchmaking service with a proven track record as a valuable teaching resource; helping business and homeowners learn how to screen for a reputable contractor, drastically reducing the risk of being scammed.
Co-Founder Max Sheppard utilizes the platform of his free contractor referral service web sites to educate consumers. How to critique and find a reliable contractor, and avoid becoming another statistic in the growing number of victims who fall prey to contractor con artists each year.
Sheppard also warns unsuspecting homeowners of yet another “unseen†hazard. Web sites that “help†consumers find prescreened contractor services; giving homeowners a false sense of security when hiring a contractor.
Consumers are left with the mistaken impression that all contractors connected with find screened contractor services are reputable and in good standing; with credentials intact. When in fact, contractor information could be outdated or incorrect due to poor screening procedures.
One such web site that provides verified contractor referral service includes a disclaimer, buried deep within the pages of their web site: “Member service professional information confirmed as described above may change or expire over time…we cannot guarantee that profile and screening information is accurate.â€
A glaring contrast to the boast, “(Our) service professionals are thoroughly screened before being included in our network so you can be confident in your selection,†posted in a more high-profile spot on the same web site.
The bottom line? Consumers need to exercise the same caution and credential verification when using a prescreened contractor online matchmaking service, as when using any other consumer-to-contractor service provider.
The safest, most thorough and accurate way to screen and evaluate a contractor is by the homeowner at the time of hiring, emphases Sheppard.
“No matter how reputable or unscrupulous a contractor service provider may be, the homeowner is still the one who pays the bill in the end.â€
If you feel you have been victimized by contractor fraud, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection. Visit to submit a complaint online. Helping FTC to investigate fraud; this can lead to law enforcement action and possible conviction.
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