MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Experts are urging Vermonters rebuilding from the floods to be on the lookout for scams.
They say scammers will try to take advantage of natural disasters to steal your money, whether it’s from donations or people pretending to be from utilities or the state.
Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark says her office received numerous reports of scams and price gouging last year, and she says the Consumer Assistance Program has resources for Vermonters who think they are being scammed.
Clark noted many Vermonters are going through the rebuilding process all over again.
“My heart breaks that we’re in this situation again; it’s incredibly frustrating. And my message is I’m right there with you and my heart is breaking, too. We have to look out for each other. We’re lucky to have these resources in Vermont and we’re lucky to have such a neighborly state,” said Clark, D-Vt. Attorney General.
She urges people working to rebuild to make sure their contractors have insurance and to get the agreement in writing.
The state has a statewide list of registered contractors and a list of people who have been convicted of contracting fraud.