COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- It has been nearly a week since rain, hail and wind swept through southern Colorado and damaged hundreds of homes, and thousands of cars.
As the clean-up continues, so do the scammers, who are out in full force right now.
According to the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado, scammers come out in droves following a natural disaster.
Some of them are travelers, who go state-to-state, while others are local.
It does not matter where they are from though, as all scammers are out to make a quick buck.
"People panic when their roof is damaged, and they do not know how much it is damaged, so they go to the first person that comes along, and that is really not a good idea," Katie Carrol, Director of Public Relations and Broadcasting with the BBB of Southern Colorado, said.
She said scammers go door-to-door, or will approach you in a parking lot promising a great deal.
While their methods may seem obvious, Carrol said their sales pitch can be convincing.
"They say just give me a $500 down payment, and I will be back tomorrow, then they are gone," Carrol said. "Or they do a terrible job, and then leave the state so you can not get a hold of them."
To secure a responsible and reliable repair company, Carrol said it is important to compare rates, ask for references and always check the Better Business Bureau's website.
"With this particular hailstorm I have to say 'Yay Colorado Springs' because most people did not fall for it," she said.
For a list of BBB accredited businesses click here.
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