Tennessee Officials Warn of Post-Storm Contractor Scams

Tennessee, currently ranked 16th for fraud by the Federal Trade Commission, is dealing with a surge in contractor scams following Hurricane Helene. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) has issued warnings to residents and business owners to be cautious of "storm chasing" contractors.

These scammers often promise quick repairs but disappear with the victims’ money, leaving unfinished work behind. TDCI emphasizes the importance of verifying contractor licenses and insurance before agreeing to any projects. Residents are advised to document damage with photos and videos, and to avoid paying more than one-third of the project cost upfront.

In addition, TDCI has requested insurance companies to grant a 60-day grace period for premium payments to provide relief for affected policyholders.