Yingling Warns Residents of Repair Scams, Hosting Fraud Prevention Event

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – In an effort to educate Lake County residents affected by the recent floods about potential scams and fraud that occur after a natural disaster, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is hosting a consumer protection and fraud prevention event with representatives from the Attorney General’s office on Wednesday, July 26 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Round Lake Beach Village Hall community room located at 1937 Municipal Way in Round Lake Beach.

“Residents in impacted areas need to be on alert for scammers looking to exploit homeowners and business owners in need of insurance claims and repair work,” Yingling said. “For homeowners with damage to their homes or property, getting the repair work done quickly and cheaply may seem like the most immediate priority, but you have to take a step back, ask questions and most importantly, do your research before hiring any company or contractor. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Yingling’s event is free and open to the public. Attendees will learn about the most common post-disaster scams and learn ways to protect themselves from falling victim to scam artists, unscrupulous home repair companies and aggressive salesmen.

“As our neighbors assess the loss from severe rain and flooding, it is important to remember that homeowners and businesses are vulnerable to being taken advantage of,” Yingling said. “So-called ‘storm-chaser scam artists’ take advantage of people during these most desperate situations. I encourage residents to attend this free informational event so they can take steps to protect themselves and ensure that they can make the repairs needed to move foward.”