Homeowners need to be careful of “fly-by-night” scam artists taking advantage of the situation and charging residents more than they should. The article below contains a link to approved contractors.

Homeowners Should Be Careful When Hiring Help

EVANSVILLE - Homeowners across the Tri-State are dealing with downed trees and branches, and officials on both sides of the Ohio River want to make sure people don't get scammed.

The Vanderburgh County Purdue Extension Office is urging Evansville residents to not hire any tree trimming company from out of town.  Coordinators tell us many "fly-by-night" companies will try to take advantage of people in an emergency situation.  They say these companies often make matters worse, or simply take your money and leave town.  For a list of approved tree trimmers in Evansville click here.

The Kentucky Better Business Bureau is warning residents about the same thing.  The BBB wants to remind people that they need to ask to see the license & insurance of a business before they hire anyone to help clean up their property.

They say so-called "storm chasers" will drive through devastated neighborhoods offering help, and then ask for money to go purchase supplies.  The BBB says that's a sure sign they aren't coming back to finish the job.

Source: http://www.abc25.com/dsp_story.cfm?storyid=11043&RequestTimeout=500