Verify before you pay: Police warn about flood repair, insurance scams

EL PASO, Texas, (KVIA) -- Heavy rains in the Borderland left some homes in need of repairs. The El Paso Police Department urged homeowners to slow down and take their time to avoid any repair and insurance scams.

EPPD said for high-pressure tactics or requests for large upfront payments, verify contractors and get agreements in writing. Police said to take your time to verify before you pay.

Fixing flood damage can also raise questions about whether insurance will cover it.

"If they feel like it's deceptive business practice or they have a theft or they feel like they need to report it to the police, what they need to do is gather all information on, preferably a contract of business, a license number, anything that can identify the business and business owner," said EPPD Sergeant Robert Gomez.

EPPD warned homeowners to be vigilant about these signs:

• Offers that seem too good to be true.
• Requests to sign documents you don't understand.
• Asking for sensitive personal or financial information.

"People losing their hard earned money on and not getting the repairs or or services that they need during and after the severe weather," Sgt. Gomez said.

Police urged those in need of repairs to slow down and don't feel pressured to buy on the spot.

ABC-7 also reached out to the Better Business Bureau and the Texas Department of Insurance about repair scams. They did not provide interviews.