Tornado Victims Bombarded By Contractors

Insurance adjusters and contractors hoping to profit from claims swarmed the Kirkstone subdivision in Buford the morning after a confirmed tornado tore through the neighborhood, causing an estimated $5 million in damage.

Channel 2 Consumer investigator Jim Strickland was there keeping a watchful eye.

“In this situation you feel like numb, so you think anyone who comes to you is here to help you,” said tornado victim Eneida Matar.

PDF: Help For HomeownersPDF: Be Cautious Hiring Contracted HelpPDF: Avoiding Home Repair Fraud

She and husband Elias said they had three roofers come calling before they finally chose a local company to tarp, and later repair their roof. Atlanta South Construction had two key documents, a business license and insurance certificate, ready for inspection when Strickland asked to see them.

“It's scary,” said company spokesman Mike Pittman. “Some people don't carry insurance. We've seen people run off with people's checks in these situations. It's really a delicate situation, you have to be careful of.”

Another of Pittman's clients had a roof cave in on a baby's crib. The child was at daycare when the storm hit. Since the roof is tarped, a claim check could take a week.

The same holds for State Farm client Tanya Prince. Strickland was there as adjuster Trent Bullock gave counsel.

“You know you got a lot of contractors in here right now. Don't sign any contracts to do any work just yet,” Prince said.

American Family insures Elonda Pelliccia’s home. The company maintains a list of preferred contractors.

“I have a very high level of comfort that they're going to take care of everything,” she said.

The insurance commissioner, having surveyed the damage, said all claims departments should be on notice.

“They know that if we start getting complaints, they are going to be held accountable and we're going to hold their feet to the fire,” said Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine.