CLARKSVILLE, TN – As expected, scammers have been at work in Clarksville after Saturday’s tornado, with attempts popping up on Facebook chat groups from people claiming to be victims whose claims have been disproved.

Other scams can be far more costly. Scams common after natural disasters include but are not limited to insurance scams, contractor fraud such as: tree removal, roof repair, landscaping, etc., and disaster relief charity scams, according to Montgomery County Sheriff’s Lt. Mark J. Wojnarek.

Never give out your personal information, such as your Social Security or bank account numbers. And never pay up front (in whole or in part) without a signed written contract.

A few other points to remember when selecting a for-hire-service, according to Wojnarek:

  • Take time to check references of home improvement service providers.
  • Verify and document the identity of the person/people offering these services.
  • Require written contracts and maintain all correspondence with the providers.
  • Document the process before, during, and after.
  • Contact the Better Business Bureau by email at: info@bbb.org or give them a call at 615-242-4222.

If you believe you have a criminal issue and need to report your situation to law enforcement, you will need to provide documentation of the for-hire-service, as well as written contracts and agreements, to support a criminal investigation.

According to state law, “Actions by Home Improvement Services Provider that Constitute Offense” (TCA § 39-14-154), property owners face several requirements before charges can be filed:

  • Keep copies of all documents and correspondence with the home improvement services provider.
  • If after 90 days have elapsed if no substantial portion of the work has been performed, hand deliver or send by certified mail with return receipt requested a written request for a refund to the home improvement services provider.
  • Also send a copy of the written refund request by certified mail return receipt requested to: Commerce and Insurance, Division of Consumer Affairs, 500 James Robertson Parkway, 12th floor, Nashville, TN, 37243-0600.
  • Ten days after the request letter has been received or refused to be accepted by the home improvement services provider, the residential owner may contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office if the residence is outside the city limits or if within the city limits contact the Clarksville Police Department by dialing 911 to file a report.