Avoid Home Repair Scams During Oklahoma's Storm Season

Wednesday's storms are a good reminder to be prepared in case the unthinkable should happen to you.

In the aftermath of a tornado or severe storm it can be easy to lose your wits and become the victim of a scam artist.

The images are heart wrenching; storms raked across Kansas and Missouri early Wednesday morning, leaving devastation and residents thankful to have survived.

With this eye-popping realization that the storm season is here it's good time to think: what if it happens to you? What do you do to make sure you're not the victim of scam artist posing as a repairman?

According to State Farm Insurance, don't let anyone on your roof until your speak with your insurance agent; call the Better Business Bureau in the area listed as their business address; don't pay for anything up front, and ask for all certificates of insurance.

State Farm touts Oklahoma's roofer registration law as a way to protect homeowners. The law requires roofing contractors to pay a $300 annual registration fee, prove they have insurance, and show they're covered for workers compensation.

For the first time, someone has been charged with violating that law. Shawn Brown of Quality Custom Homes was hired to repair the roof of a Poteau home.

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But Angela Peters says he removed a section of the roof and, after a rain, the ceiling collapsed and flooded her basement.

"Everything was destroyed. Very expensive things were destroyed and very personal things were destroyed. Things that will never be replaced," Peters said.

Brown has pleaded not guilty.

State Farm says the scenes from Missouri and Kansas can serve as reminders to help prevent homeowners from being a victim twice.