Officials Say Bad Weather Brings Home Improvement Scams

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The Pennington County Sheriff's Office is reminding the public to be wary of scam artists in light of severe weather in the region.

The office says the recent bad weather could spur some common home improvement scams like offers for roofing, driveway sealing and tree trimming.

Residents in need of help should search for a local contractor who has an actual business address and avoid ones who only use things like P.O. boxes or cellphone numbers.

People should also search the Internet for complaints and check a company's record at the Better Business Bureau.

The office says homeowners should never give business to someone who says they "just happened to be in the neighborhood."

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