Neighbor to Neighbor
by Robert Quarles

Fliers are a popular and inexpensive way for small local businesses to advertise. There is nothing unusual about them in Oak Forest. Typically they are small home services companies that are simply trying to get their word out. Recently I received one such flier that had been taped to my front door. The flier was a cleverly worded ad informing me that our area had sustained a hailstorm recently, and encouraging me to file a claim with my insurance company to replace or repair my roof.

I have nothing against fliers like this, and think that this company is probably like most that are just marketing a needed and legitimate service. With that being said, there are a couple of ‘common consumer sense rules’ that should apply when we are targeted for home repair, especially when it involves filing a claim.

1. Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if the company advertised is a member, or maybe even listed as having unresolved consumer complaints reported. They can be reached at 713-868-9500 and are located at 5225 Katy Freeway, Suite 500, Houston Texas, 77007.
2. Contact the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Texas. Many citizens look to the Attorney General for guidance with disputes and legal issues pertaining to among others, possible consumer fraud. The AG’s office does not provide legal services but does have a Consumer Protection Division that provides informal dispute resolution service between consumers and businesses. For more information call 800-621-0508.
3. Contact your insurance company and communicate with them directly, if you believe you have experienced damage to your home.