Johnson City Area Home Builders Association warns against ‘nomadic scammers’ who capitalize on disasters

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Johnson City Area Home Builders Association (JCAHBA) is warning community members whose homes have been damaged from recent flooding to be aware of scammers posing as building contractors.

The JCAHBA said people looking to take advantage of those who have lost or damaged property are already flocking to the region.

“Johnson City Area Home Builders Association along with National Association of Home Builders have information that we need to get out to the community to protect everyone from the nomadic scammers/storm chasers that have already started working their way into our area with more on the way,” the association told News Channel 11.

As community members begin the process of rebuilding or repairing homes and properties, the JCAHBA wants people to know how they can personally vet people they’re considering hiring for contract work.

The JCAHBA recommends that homeowners in the region research potential contractors carefully before hiring or paying money:

• Ask for proof of a current license from the State of Tennessee Board for Licensing
  Contractors.
• Find out if the firm has a permanent business address in the area and not from out of
  state.
• Ask for proof of general liability and workman’s compensation insurance. A reputable
  contractor should be able to show you an insurance certificate and expect you to ask for
  it. Usually, we would tell you to contact his/her insurance carrier and have a copy of the
  certificate sent directly from the agency, however, this may not be realistic during this
  time of disaster.
• Insist on a complete and clearly written contract.
• Always ask for verifiable references and Be wary of a contractor who wants full or cash
  payments before the job begins and utilizes high-pressure sales tactics to sign a contract.
• Call Johnson City Area Home Builders Association for a list of reliable contractors or go
  to Jcahba.org and click on the Membership Directory tab.

Informational documents from the National Association of Home Builders that provide tips to identify scammers can be found below:

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