🚨 PARK FOREST POLICE WARN RESIDENTS ABOUT “STORM CHASERS” AND REPAIR SCAMS

PARK FOREST, Ill. Police are warning residents to be careful about contractors and other individuals showing up at their homes offering repairs while the community recovers from this week's severe storms.

With residents dealing with downed trees, flooded basements, damaged homes and power outages, Police Chief Brian Rzyski says homeowners should be especially cautious about people unexpectedly going door-to-door offering roofing, tree removal, home repairs and similar storm-recovery services. 

And there's one detail that makes this warning particularly important:

Park Forest says there are currently NO individuals or companies with an active soliciting license in the village.

Police say that if someone unexpectedly comes to your home soliciting repair work or asking for money, residents should contact the Park Forest Police Department so an officer can investigate.

The warning comes as the Better Business Bureau cautions storm-damaged communities about so-called “storm chasers”, contractors or individuals who arrive after severe weather offering services such as roof and window repairs, tree removal, flooded-basement cleanup and other restoration work.

Residents should be cautious about paying large amounts upfront, signing contracts under pressure or hiring someone without first checking the contractor's credentials.

Park Forest Police can be reached on its non-emergency line at 708-748-4700. For an emergency, call 911.

Read the official Park Forest Police warning

This is a very good community-alert story for 730 BOOM, especially right now because scammers know people with trees on their roofs and water in their basements want repairs yesterday.