In the wake of damage caused by strong storms that hit the area recently, Montgomery officials are warning residents to be on the alert for scam calls concerning home repairs.
The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-0 tornado, which has winds ranging from 65 to 85 mph, swept through Montgomery on March 31 from 7:55 to 8:01 p.m., village officials said.
The tornado stretched 5.6 miles beginning near Concord Drive and traveling northeast through the downtown riverside area of Montgomery and ending around Phillips Park in Aurora, officials said.
The confirmed tornado touchdown may prompt potential scammers to come to the area, Montgomery officials said.
Within the last week, close to 100 solicitors – mostly roofing companies – have filed permits through Montgomery’s administrative offices, officials said. Each company representative must apply in person and submit to a background check before receiving a yellow permit card from the village good for up to 30 days, according to Montgomery officials.
The village is advising residents to refrain from speaking to or answering the door for any solicitor that does not display proper authorization and credentials. If a solicitor comes to the door without a yellow permit displayed around their neck, residents are told to get in touch with the Montgomery Police Department as soon as possible by calling 630-553-0554.
Officials also said residents should contact their homeowners’ insurance agent and do their research before entering into any contract or paying potential contractors for work to repair storm damage.
Montgomery officials advised residents to be aware of scammers who may say an insurance company sent them or pretend to be with a well-known insurance company.
Businesses can be checked on the Better Business Bureau’s website at bbb.org, officials said.
With the influx of solicitor applications, the village expects a high volume of permits to follow. Due to the increase, permit processing times will likely increase, officials said.
The Kendall County Building Department handles Boulder Hill’s solicitor permitting process. Residents of Boulder Hill should contact them directly for additional information at 630-553-4141.
To review the current list of authorized solicitors in Montgomery or to add a home’s address to the Do Not Solicit list maintained by the village, go to montgomeryil.org/596/Solicitor-Permits.
Additionally, Montgomery officials suggest posting a “No Soliciting” sign on your door if you prefer not to deal with solicitors.
More Top Picks Best Pellet Grills Under 1000 Dolars