With all the jobs that contractors will have in the coming weeks, they probably won't mind making such referrals, McCrea said. The Better Business Bureau has a list of contractors who are members. The bureau also has a program in which it will hold in escrow the money agreed upon for a construction project. That can help, McCrea said, should a contractor demand more money or other problems arise. The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties also has a free dispute-resolution service for its 2,800 member companies and their customers.
Experts say the post-disaster charity scam works in much the same way as the contractor ruse.
Solicitations are made in person or over the telephone. The organization asking for money may have a familiar name, but it will be slightly different from a legitimate charity. Again, experts say consumers shouldn't act rashly. Evaluate where you want your donation to go. It's better to contact the charity rather than be contacted.