Homeowners warned about ‘storm chasers’ following damaging hail

When Mother Nature comes knocking, so can storm chasers – predatory contractors from out of state who exploit homeowners and insurance companies.

by Morgan Wolfe of KARE 11

Fast winds, hail, rain, thunder and lightning lit up parts of Minnesota this past weekend which can cause all kinds of damage as Chris Cohen, Frontline Roofing and Restoration senior project manager, tells us.

As many homeowners pick up the pieces from the severe weather, residents in Big Lake reported so-called “storm chasers” were out going door to door. The Better Business Bureau refers to storm chasers as illegitimate contractors who seek to exploit victims of severe weather. 

Roofing and restoration scams are not new, and certainly not unique to Minnesota. In some cases, illegitimate contractors have offered free home inspections after a storm, then exaggerate the damage to get homeowners to pay for unnecessary repairs or replacements. The BBB has put out numerous warnings for roofing scams.

Cohen recommends people stick to companies in their local community or at least the state, and check to make sure they are licensed. Often the best advice comes from folks you know and trust. 

“Some of the most trusted companies can come from referrals from family, friends, and neighbors,” Cohen said. 

If you think you have fallen victim to a roofing scam, report it to your local authorities and file a claim with the Minnesota Department of Revenue.