Watch Out for Scams on Home Repair

As rebuilding continues in the hurricane-battered Virgin Islands, the AARP state office is cautioning residents to beware of storm-chasing scammers posing as home-repair contractors.

“It is unfortunate that victims of natural disasters are also at risk of becoming victims of fraud,” said Troy Schuster, AARP Virgin Islands state director. “We encourage residents to remain vigilant, work through their insurers and always get written estimates from approved contractors.”

To report suspected fraud, call the Federal Emergency Management Agency at 800-621-3362; the VI Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs at 340-713-3522 in St. Croix or 340-714-3522 in St. Thomas; and the VI Police Department’s Economic Crime Bureau at 340-778-1001.