BBB Warns of Scams Exploiting Texas Winter Storm

Winter Storm Scam Tactics

• ⚠️ Scammers are actively exploiting the Texas winter storm to take advantage of people dealing with home impacts.
• 💡 These opportunistic individuals often pose as fake plumbers or HVAC contractors, offering deep discounts for urgent repairs.
• 🎯 Other common scams include door-to-door contractors, utility imposters posing as energy companies, and online ads for emergency services.

Recognizing and Resisting Scams

• ⚡ Scammers create a sense of urgency and pressure, claiming limited availability to rush decisions.
• 💰 They may demand upfront payments, like $500 or $1,000, to get on a schedule, often never returning or performing shoddy work.
• 🏠 A major red flag is an unsolicited offer of service; if you didn't call them, be immediately suspicious.
• 🔍 Always maintain a healthy dose of skepticism if someone contacts you out of the blue via phone, email, or a knock at the door.

Protecting Yourself and Reporting Scams

• 🤝 Seek referrals from trusted friends and family within your social circle.
• 📊 Aim to get three good referrals and three estimates before committing to any contractor.
• 🌐 Verify companies by researching them on the Better Business Bureau's website for feedback and legitimacy.
• 🗣️ Report all experiences, both good and bad, to the BBB to help others.

What to Do If You've Been Scammed

• 🆘 If you have already been duped or lost money, report the scam to the BBB at bbb.org.
• 🛠️ The BBB may be able to help you recover some or all of your money and will use your report to warn others.