Police warn Darlington residents of scam artists after tornado

DARLINGTON — The Darlington Police Department is warning people affected by Sunday’s tornado to be aware of scam artists.

Capt. Danny Watson said every major incident brings in scammers who try to take advantage of the situation.

“What we’re doing is trying to prevent a second tragedy from occurring,” he said.

Anyone who operates within Darlington city limits must get a business license from the city by going to the city hall and registering with administration, Watson said.

“Generally what’s going to happen (is) if someone gets taken advantage of, they are going to be too embarrassed to call and report that person,” he said. “Unfortunately, when that happens, the scammer thinks, ‘Well I got away with it this time I can go to another person to try to scam them.’”

Residents are encouraged to call the police department at (843) 398-4026 to report scammers.

Although the damage in Darlington doesn’t qualify for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance, FEMA offers these tips to avoid being scammed after a disaster:

• Be wary of contractors that come to you offering repair or clean-up services such as tree or debris removal. Deal with a reputable local contractor. Be wary of itinerant contractors using names that sound like local businesses. Check for local contractors listed in your local telephone directory.

• Check references. A reliable contractor is willing to provide names of previous customers. Call these customers to make sure they are satisfied with the work performed.

• Get a written estimate. Compare services and prices before making a final decision. Also, read the fine print. Some contractors charge a fee for a written estimate, which is often included in the cost of the repairs they make.

• Ask for proof of insurance. Make sure the contractor carries general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. If the contractor is not insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property.

• Use reliable, licensed contractors. You can check online with the S.C. Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation at www.llr.state.sc.us to find out if the contractor is licensed. Inquire about a business before signing a contract. At a minimum, be sure to ask about registration status and complaints history.

• Insist on a written contract. A complete contract should clearly state all tasks to be performed, all associated costs and the payment schedule. Never sign a blank contract or one with blank spaces. Make sure the contract clearly states who will apply for the necessary permits or licenses. Have a lawyer review the contract if substantial costs are involved, and keep a copy for your records.

• Get guarantees in writing. Any guarantees made by the contractor should be written into the contract. The guarantee should clearly state what is guaranteed, who is responsible to fulfill the guarantee and how long the guarantee is valid.

• Make final payments only when the work is completed. Do not sign completion papers or make the final payment until the work is done to your satisfaction. A reputable contractor will not threaten you or pressure you to sign if the job is not finished properly.

• Pay by credit card or check. Whenever possible, try to pay with a credit card because you may be able to charge back a disputed amount in the event you have difficulties at a later time. Otherwise, pay by check. Never pay in cash, and do not pay for the whole transaction in one lump sum. Avoid making large down-payments, because this could potentially leave you with no leverage with a problem contractor. The safest route is to write a check to the contracting company. Federal law gives consumers a three-day reconsideration period to cancel unsolicited door-to-door sales of more than $25.