Warning to NC Citizens: Beware of Contractor Scams After Hurricane Helene

Help us by reminding North Carolinians of the following:

• Be wary of door-to-door repair solicitations or people who demand deposits or payments in cash.
• Contact your insurance company for guidance before beginning any work. Do not make a large deposit or upfront payment in full.
• Require a written contract that details the work to be done, materials to be used, a payment schedule that is based on completion of work and a timeline for work to be completed. A licensed general contractor is required to list their license number on all contracts.
• Do not make payments before the work specified on the payment schedule is completed.
• Do not make payments for any work not specified in the contract unless it has been submitted and approved in writing by you before the additional work begins.
• Request a Certificate of Insurance from the contractor and verify it is valid by contacting the party who issued it.
• Contact the local building inspections and permitting office to determine if permits are required to assure building code compliance. If permits are required, confirm with the permit office that the contractor has acquired them before construction begins.
• Before making final payment, evaluate the completed work and require the contractor to confirm that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid to eliminate potential liens on your property.
• You can always verify whether the contractor is licensed to perform the specific work by visiting the Board websites or calling the Board offices:
  • North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
    www.nclbgc.org  /  Office #: 919-571-4183
  • North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
    www.ncbeec.org  /  Office #: 919-733-9042
  • North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contactors
    www.nclicensing.org  /  Office #: 919-875-3612
• Contact local law enforcement if you suspect you are being scammed by a contractor.
• Contact the NC Attorney General’s office if you suspect you are being price gouged by the contractor at ncdoj.gov or call toll free within North Carolina at (877)-5-NO-SCAM or (877)-566-7226