Rockford – The BBB reminds consumers that our current extreme cold snap will tempt scammers to be on the hunt for some cold cash. Most people from our area are used to the conditions Mother Nature delivers this time of year. But winter weather and the first wave of sub-zero temperatures can lead to sub-par repair people and fraudsters calling or knocking at your door.
This is the time of year where furnaces become stressed, the plumbing can be problematic, and you may need help with snow removal. Do your homework, and avoid being tempted by door knockers soliciting their services.
Fake utility workers, untrustworthy furnace or plumbing contractors, and snow removers find the cold – a hot season to go door to door.
Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau advises consumers, “A tip-off to the rip-offs are random calls or knocks on your door with inspection offers or winter services. Never accept any service or allow a stranger into your home without checking with the BBB and the utility company they may claim to represent.”
 “Utility scammers often make calls threatening immediate shut off of utilities during extreme cold. If someone asks you to wire money or pay within 30 minutes that is a scam,” Horton explains. “Consumers need to know by state law, utility companies cannot shut off service during the winter months, from November through March.”
The BBB director also says, “People can get into trouble when the contractor they would normally use is too busy to provide them service right away.” He advises, “Don’t panic; or a cheap estimate could turn into an outrageously expensive repair.”
Do your homework first to find trustworthy plumbers and heating experts.  Go online to BBB.org/ask, and after, keep those numbers handy in case of another emergency.

Tips on hiring
a contractor
 Always first - check BBB.org – Read the contractor’s Business Review as well as any Consumer Reviews that have been posted.
 Check Licensing – Depending on the project they may be required to be licensed and bonded.
 Get Estimates – In the event of a major repair such as plumbing or furnace replacement – never feel pressured by a contractor – and if you choose – exercise your right for another estimate.
 Get a Written Contract – Illinois requires a written contract for any project that will cost more than $1,000.
 Understand your payment options – Don’t pay in cash. Try to pay with a credit card so you have some recourse if the job is done poorly or not completed at all. Base any final payments on a completion schedule.
If you see or hear of a scam -report it –to BBB Scamtracker. Scamtracker alerts thousands of people to some of the latest scams helping them avoid being victimized.
Check out bbb.org to look up a business, file a complaint, or write a customer review.
Remember to always report scammers.  If you’ve been the target of a scam or suspect scam activity, report it to authorities and BBB Scam Tracker to warn others.
 For reliable information, lists of BBB Accredited Businesses by industry, and BBB Business Reviews you can trust on local businesses and charities, visit bbb.org/ask.