From City of Fayetteville Police department: After natural disasters, unlicensed contractors and scammers often come into the area promising clean-up and debris removal. Some demand payment up-front for work they never do. Others lack the skills, licenses, and insurance to legally work. Never sign documents or pay contractors before verifying their license. Ask contractors for references and, call previous clients. Talk with neighbors about what they’re paying for similar work. Write down the contractor’s license and vehicle information in case you need to report the contractor to authorities. Ask a contractor to give you their license and certificate of insurance once they are on your property. If a contractor tells you certain work is covered by your insurance, call your insurance company to confirm. Get a written estimate and sign a written contract. Make sure it includes a description of the work, the materials included, when the work will be finished, the price, and the address and phone number of the contractor. Read all contracts and make sure all the blanks are filled in before you sign. Pay with a credit card or check so you can dispute charge or cancel the payment if there are problems later. Be wary of contractors who ask you to pay them in cash – even for a deposit. Negotiate a reasonable down payment, and only pay in full when the work is done to your satisfaction. Trust your gut. If you have any doubts about hiring someone, take your business elsewhere.