Fraud Awareness During Disaster Recovery

The Janesville Police Department would like to warn residents to be alert for scams related to flood clean-up and recovery. Here are a few fraud prevention tips.

• Be alert to phone calls and door-to-door solicitors who you have not contacted that offer quick repairs or promise to speed up insurance claims.
• Honest companies and employees will have proper identification and insignias on their vehicles or uniforms.
• There should be no high pressure sale tactics, such as "the offer is at a special price only if you act now."
• Get a written estimate and insist on a written contract with written guarantees if a contractor is selected to do the work.
• Check references. A reliable contractor will provide names of previous customers.
• Never pay for a service in advance.
• Residents should not pay anyone who claims to represent FEMA for any services or assessments. FEMA does not charge a fee for home damage assessments. Residents are advised to be aware of this possible scam. If you have been contacted by someone who you feel is acting as a FEMA agent, you should contact the 911 Center immediately.

If problems develop call The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection toll free hotline: 1-800-422-7128 or visit their website.