FEDERAL AND STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS IN IOWA WARN
CITIZENS ABOUT POSSIBLE POST-DISASTER SCAMS AND FRAUD

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Matt Dummermuth, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are voicing the message "Don't become a victim twice." Their warning comes on the heels of recent flood and tornado disasters in Iowa - events that can trigger scam artists who prey on disaster victims.

U.S. Attorney Dummermuth also advised anyone filing a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster claim to make sure their claim is accurate. Post-Katrina, FEMA fraud included inflated claims and claims filed by some who did not live in disaster areas. "While we don't expect those types of claims to be filed in Iowa, we want to warn people they face potential federal prosecution if they commit FEMA fraud," said U.S. Attorney Dummermuth. "Anyone with information on FEMA fraud can call an FBI hotline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)."

"Watch out for people who may try to steal your identity by asking for your FEMA registration number or social security number. Be cautious about making cash deposits or advance payments in full," said U.S. Attorney Dummermuth. "You can avoid charity scams by working only with groups you know."

Attorney General Miller announced that Iowa's anti-price-gouging rule is in effect in counties where disaster declarations have been issued. Price-gouging is the raising of prices unreasonably above the price at which the merchandise or service was sold in the usual course of business immediately prior to the onset of the emergency. The rule applies during the emergency declaration and subsequent recovery period up to six months.

The price-gouging rule covers, but is not limited to: water, food, medicines, sanitation supplies, utilities, lodging, and materials, goods or services for clean-up or repair. Complaints about possible price-gouging may be filed with local authorities or the Attorney General's Office, at (515) 281-5926 in Des Moines; toll-free at 888-777-4590; or on the Web at www.IowaAttorneyGeneral.org.

"Home repair con-artists often move in after a disaster because the conditions may give them an edge," said Attorney General Miller. "Hundreds of people are eager to get clean-up or repairs done, there may be a shortage of local contractors to do all the work, there may be money around because of disaster or insurance payments, and people may be in a rush to get back to normal."

Attorney General Miller cautioned Iowans to be especially careful about contractors coming to their door and asking for advance payment for cleanup or repairs. "That's a recipe for rip-off. They may take your money and run and do little or no work," he said.

The following tips should be followed for hiring contractors to repair storm damage or perform any work:

Be wary of contractors that come to you offering repair or clean-up services such as tree or debris removal. Legitimate contractors do not generally need to seek customers. Deal with a reputable local contractor. Be wary of itinerant contractors using names that sound like local businesses. Check for local contractors listed in your local telephone directory.

Check references. A reliable contractor is willing to provide names of previous customers. Call these customers to make sure they are satisfied with the work performed.

Get a written estimate. Compare services and prices before making a final decision. Also, read the fine print. Some contractors charge a fee for a written estimate, which is often included in the cost of the repairs they make.

Ask for proof of insurance. Make sure the contractor carries general liability insurance and workers' compensation. If the contractor is not insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property.

Use reliable, licensed contractors. Call the Labor Services Division of Iowa Workforce Development at (515) 281-5387 between 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday through Friday, or 1-800-JOB-IOWA, check online for a list of registered Iowa contractors at www2.iwd.state.ia.us/contractor.nsf or check with your local Better Business Bureau at (515) 243-8137, or www.bbb.org to inquire about a business before signing a contract. At a minimum, be sure to ask about registration status, complaints history and enforcement action, if applicable.

Insist on a written contract. A complete contract should clearly state all tasks to be performed, all associated costs and the payment schedule. Never sign a blank contract or one with blank spaces. Make sure the contract clearly states who will apply for the necessary permits or licenses. Have a lawyer review the contract if substantial costs are involved, and keep a copy for your records.

Get guarantees in writing. Any guarantees made by the contractor should be written into the contract. The guarantee should clearly state what is guaranteed, who is responsible to fulfill the guarantee and how long the guarantee is valid.

Obtain a local building permit when required. Permits may be required for site work and for reconstruction. Contact your local government for permit information.

Make final payments only when the work is completed. Do not sign completion papers or make the final payment until the work is done to your satisfaction. A reputable contractor will not threaten you or pressure you to sign if the job is not finished properly.

Pay by credit card or check. Whenever possible, try to pay with a credit card because you may be able to charge back a disputed amount in the event you have difficulties at a later time. Otherwise, pay by check. Never pay in cash, and do not pay for the whole transaction in one lump sum. Avoid making large down-payments, because this could potentially leave you with no leverage with a problem contractor.

The safest route is to write a check to the contracting company. Federal law gives consumers a three-day reconsideration period to cancel unsolicited door-to-door sales of more than $25. If you need to, file a complaint by calling the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Response Center toll-free at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).

State law requires a 3-day cancellation clause on home improvement contracts. If necessary, cancel a contract within that time frame by following any specific procedures for cancellation as set forth in the contract. Send the notification by certified mail with a return receipt to be signed by the contractor.

Report contractor fraud to your local police department, the Iowa State Patrol HELP line at 800-525-5555, and the Iowa Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division (CDP) at (515) 281-5926 or 1-888-777-4590 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays