The Lt. Governor wants so-called storm predators to stay out of Wisconsin.
As several northern Wisconsin communities continue to clean up after last week's severe storms , Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton says there's a growing risk of storm predators trying to scam them with fraudulent repairs. She says there have already been several reports of out-of-state contractors making their way across Oconto, Marinette, Marathon, Wood, and Langlade Counties. All were hit last week by a strong line of storms that produced five tornadoes.
Lawton says scam artist contractors often try to take advantage of disasters, by either overcharging for repairs or taking the money and not completing the job. She's urging those impacted by the storms to try local contractors first. If approached by a door-to-door contractor, Lawton says they should check out their background and possibly even call police.
Lawton says the state will not tolerate those who try to take advantage of storm victims and will prosecute those who do so. Violators could face fines of up to $5,000 and a year in jail for each offense.
The Lt. Governor does admit some outside contractors may be needed to meet the overwhelming demand for storm repairs.