Storm Victims: Water Out for Water Damage Clean Up Scams!

While it seems that recent natural disasters have been occurring internationally, the United States is not exempt from severe and damaging weather. This week, intense storms hit the Midwest and South causing significant damage to thousands of residential and commercial properties, leaving home and business owners scrambling for a quick solution. Unfortunately, the immediate need for water damage repairs can make consumers victim to scam artists attempting to make money off storm victims.





When natural disasters strike, shady contractors (also called "storm chasers") seek out storm victims who need to fix water damage quickly and take advantage of their time and money. The most common severe weather scams include: impersonating insurance officials, loan and charity scams, substandard construction, and fraud.



To prevent these scam artists from taking advantage for natural disaster victims, some state governments have enacted price-gouging provisions that prevent unethical businesses from raising prices on goods, products, and services that are needed to reduce or prevent water and fire damage—popular necessities such as generators, gasoline, cleaning supplies, and hotel rooms are all included.



As a Northern Virginia water damage restoration company, ServiceMaster of Fairfax is greatly concerned that consumers who need the most assistance cleaning their property are being taken advantage of by fraudulent companies. Before hiring water damage clean up services, it is important to keep the following in mind:



Paying in advance for labor is taking a huge risk. Fake contractors will usually ask for advance payments, and then never return to complete the job. If the cleaning supplies are needed, offer to provide them yourself.

Use local businesses with a good reputation to make all water and fire damage repairs. That way, you can talk with others who have used their services previously and have had a good experience. (Or, a really bad one!)

Always ask if the cleaning company is licensed, bonded (if applicable), and insured. It’ll save you a lot of hassle should any problems arise!

When choosing a green cleaning service, make sure that there is a written contract outlining the terms of services and payment.

Unfamiliar or out-of-state cleaning companies who offer to clean water damage at ridiculously low prices are almost always a scam.



Water and fire damage restoration can be a lengthy and aggravating process. However, by keeping these simple tips in mind, you can prevent your home or business from falling victim to fake contractors who will not get the job done. As a water damage and restoration company with years of experience, ServiceMaster of Fairfax encourages all residential and commercial damage victims to reach out with any questions or concerns—we have the tools to return your property to its previous beauty!