Residents of Clermont County, Ohio, are being warned about potential scams targeting homeowners as they clean up from recent storms and tornadoes. Cell phone video shot by Karen and Ray Durbin shows a funnel cloud tied to Tuesday’s storm damage in parts of the county, where residents are now dealing with snapped and uprooted trees and scattered branches.
Preventing Scams
Local tree removal expert Ricky Penter advised homeowners to take their time and research before hiring contractors, suggesting they consult neighbors for recommendations. Penter also noted that not all damaged trees need to be removed, particularly pines. To avoid falling victim to unscrupulous work crews, Penter recommended checking reviews on Google and ensuring crews provide proof of insurance and workers’ compensation before signing any agreements.
David Bray of Clermont County described a recent encounter with a potential scammer in a debris field off State Route 132. Bray said the individual was pushy and unprofessional, which raised red flags. Local roofer Garey Faulkner also suggested using Facebook to research contractors and emphasized the importance of verifying their credentials.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
