BBB Advises Tornado Victims to be on the Lookout for “Storm Chasers”

TYLER — In the wake of the tornadoes which struck over the weekend, the aftermath of a crisis also brings out contractors who take advantage of those who have already been victimized. The Better Business Bureau of East Texas reminds homeowners to be on the lookout for storm chasers, individuals who follow severe weather hoping to get business from victims whose homes have been damaged by storms.

Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas, says the state attorney general’s office issued a declaration of disaster, which means that it is illegal for a person to take advantage of the situation by engaging in deceptive trade practices.” But, unfortunately, there will be some East Texas residents get swindled by dishonest contractors and bogus charities.

Victims of severe storm damage should never feel forced to make a hasty decision or to choose an unknown contractor. You can go to http://www.bbb.org and start with companies you can trust To report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, go to BBB ScamTracker or call the BBB Hotline at 903-581-8373.