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As Central Georgia homeowners deal with storm damage, they're advised to watch out for contractor scams

The storms may have passed, but they've left behind wreckage for homeowners to deal with

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Many Central Georgia homeowners are trying to put the pieces of their homes back together after Tuesday's and Wednesday's storms. Getting insurance companies involved to help deal with the damage is the next step, but experts say homeowners should be careful.

Gwen Krind and Jacob West both say Tuesday's storm rocked their neighborhood.

"They say it sounds like a train but I really didn't hear that. It was more like a ‘VRRR,’ if you were revving up an engine or something," said Krind.

"So I was standing in my bedroom and the window broke, hit me in the head and all over the right side of my body, and I just heard a loud tornado shaking the house, breaking everything," Jacob West recalled.

It was a confirmed tornado leaving behind damage that could cost thousands.

"We got the roof right here and under the roof, this morning the whole ceiling fell in," West said.

"This tree has fallen all the way in to the back of my kitchen there, missing that window. My bedroom is right there, missing that window but we just found that there's a hole here," Krind said.

Now that the storm has passed, homeowners are being warned to watch out for contractors who may be running scams.

"Any time there's a natural disaster, it does bring out the best in people, but one of the things you’re going to see is a lot of roofers, tree trimming companies and stuff from out of town that are looking to make a quick buck," Kelvin Collins with the Better Business Bureau explained.

He says some people may try and take advantage of you.

"Take the time to understand what you’re signing, and if someone wants you to sign what you think is an estimate, be sure to read the fine print," Collins said.

Kelvin Collins says be sure the contractors you use are reputable, insured, and bonded.

He also says you should beware of people asking you to pay in unusual ways or odd currency.

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