Better Business Bureau, Police Encourage Wariness in Light of Post-Storm Scams

The Marlborough chapter of the Better Business Bureau is warning residents to be on the lookout for unscrupulous contractors and potential scams in the wake of the Halloween weekend snowstorm that left many people with damaged property.  

Especially suspicious are those who sell their services door-to-door after such a storm.

"After major weather related events, we hear numerous reports of folks being victimized again, not by Mother Nature, but rather at the hands of untrustworthy people who see this as a money-making opportunity," said Paula Fleming, a BBB Spokesperson here in Marlborough. “Some of the most common post-disaster scams involve home repairs, clean-up efforts, heating and cooling equipment and door-to-door contractors.”

Specifically, the BBB has been made aware of an unscrupulous individual going door-to-door claiming to work for the electric company. 

"This person claims to work with the electric company and offers to restore power to the home for a $200 fee," said a release. "The BBB warns home owners to be wary of anyone who comes to your door offering services. Be sure to always check their identification before letting them in to your home. When in doubt, call your power company directly with questions."

In recent months, has warned residents to be on the lookout for these types of scams, but said they have not received any specific reports since the weekend storm.

"Residents should definitely err on the side of caution and give us call if they get any suspicious phone calls or people offering services, said Detective Martha Shea. 

Back in June of this year, MPD was made aware of people going door-to-door with construction scams in Marlborough. 

"The Marlborough Police Department would like to remind citizens to be hyper vigilant when it comes to protecting themselves from scams and con artists," said police. "Suspicious activity to look out for are contractors that come to your house without first being contacted by the home owner who may state previous work done on your house was 'shabby' or not up to code and needs to be fixed."

Police ask that any activity like this be reported to them immediately, and homeowners should not agree to any sort of payment whatsoever before confirming the validity of the service. 

Residents with any questions should call the MPD local business line at 508-485-1212.

The BBB offers the following advice for dealing with the aftermath of any storm:

• Be suspicious of door-to-door workers, especially those who use scare tactics to get the job. Always ask for identification. Don’t be pushed into a decision you are uncomfortable with.

• Prepare a written agreement with anyone you hire. It should delineate the work to be done, the materials to be used, and the price breakdown for both labor and materials. Review it carefully before signing. Never pay for all repairs in advance, and don’t pay cash.

• Always shop around for major repairs, and always get a Business Review from your BBB. If you have a problem with a business’s work, report it immediately to your Better Business Bureau, by telephone or through our website boston.bbb.org

• References at least a year old should be requested. It may seem impossible to travel to an unaffected area to inspect references after a disaster, but remember the time spent will be minor in comparison to the possibility of living with inferior repair work for years.

• Review all documents before signing a contract or making a payment.

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