The Better business Bureau is warning consumers to be aware of scams related to the Waldo Canyon fire. As with most natural disasters, criminals come out of the woodwork to rip off those in an especially vulnerable situation.To avoid making a bad situation worse, the BBB has the following tips:Before you do any repairs, check with your insurance carrier.Check with the local BBB at http://bbb.org to make sure the business/contractor is reputable.If you do hire a contractor, be sure to read everything carefully before signing. Many times a contractor will ask the consumer to sign a statement agreeing to an inspection.†However, the fine print states that the consumer is actually signing a contract and is then committed to that contractor.This is definitely NOT the time to consider contractors who come door-to-door.Get at least three bids.Be wary if approached by a company offering services. It is much safer researching and selecting a company that has been thoroughly investigated.Do not give any money ñ especially cash ñ to anyone you do not know, or any business you have not thoroughly researched.The Pikes Peak Region of the American Red Cross does not solicit donations by phone, through door-to-door representatives or via e-mail. If you would like to help, go to http://pparc.org. This is the most effective way to donate to the efforts of this organization.
