News : Residents warned to beware of scam artists posing as home repair contractors

With every big problem come people who try to profit from it illegally.

Already, with countless area residents needing home repair and other related services because of Monday's storm, the Benton County Emergency Management Agency is warning people to beware of scam artists who may try to take advantage of the storm, and its victims.

EMA Coordinator Scott Hansen and Vinton City Coordinator Andy Lent are advising area residents to be careful when hiring contractors to make home repairs to avoid the risk of paying for shoddy work, or none at all.

Residents should work with reputable local contractors, get several estimate, insist on a written contract that itemizes details and costs, and call the Iowa Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division or the Better Busines Bureau to check a contractor's complaint history. The BBB's number is 800-222-1600. The CPD's number is 515-281-5926.

General contractors must be licensed in both Iowa and the city in order to be eligible to make repairs in Vinton or Urbana. Electrical contractors must be licensed in the State of Iowa.

"Being licensed in the state and registered by the city ensures quality and insurance liability," said Lent.

Customers should also call the CPD if they suspect a business is engaged in price-gouging or unfair pricing for services for disaster victims. For more information via the Internet, visit www.desmoines.bbb.org or www. IowaAttorneyGeneral.org.