LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)-- Local contractors warn consumers to be cautious when hiring roof contractors during hurricane season, as con-artists will come from out of state to scam you.

Kathryn Mobley, CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana, said more contractor scams happen during hurricane season.

 “A lot of times the scammers really come out because they know it's an emergency," Mobley said. "People are scared. And then you mix fear with things are falling apart and then scams happen more.”

Michael Cicchino, owner of Blue Monkey Roofing, said he's been in the industry for about 10 years and has seen "storm chasers" come from other states, collect your money and leave before doing any work.

"Those people will come in, collect checks, collect the first check from insurance company, not do any work, leave town," Cicchino said. "And Mr. and Mrs. Smith are just out of that money."

He said other times the scammers do the work but leave town without any way for you to contact them again.

“They'll go out, they'll get a yard sign with a 337 number, go get a burner phone with a 337 number to make them look like they're local and legitimate," Cicchino said. "Once that roof is done, they just throw that phone away, and there's no way to contact or there's no recourse."

Cicchino continued, "For the homeowner, if you use the unlicensed, not vetted person, that's pretty much all on the homeowner. You're out of luck. “

He says those who do business with scammers are even left without their warranties when con-artist contractors do poor jobs.

“The labor warranty, which almost every company offers, protects the roof for a certain amount of years," Cicchino said. "Those are void as soon as the person throws away their burner phone and doesn't answer or leaves the state.”

However, Cicchino said not all "storm chasers" are scammers.

"There's companies that go around, and all they do is bring their crews to areas that have big storms," Cicchino said. "They work those areas and legitimately leave a presence there. Then, they go find another storm."

To know which business to trust, the BBB recommends using accredited, local contractors to steer clear of scammers.

Here's how to avoid roof contractor scammers:

• Beware of unsolicited offers. Check business reviews online. Make sure they are BBB accredited. Search for any bad reviews and scam stories.
• Verify licensing and insurance. Ask your roofer for proof that they have proper licenses and insurance to operate in your area.
• Get multiple estimates. Compare prices and services before choosing a contractor.

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