Neighbor News
BBB Urges New England Residents to Prepare for Winter Storms — and Watch for Scams
BBB offers winter storm preparedness tips and scam warnings to help New England residents weather the season safely.
As winter storms continue to impact communities across New England, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont is reminding residents that severe weather can bring more than snow and ice — it can also create opportunities for scams, price gouging, and unreliable services.
To help consumers prepare and recover safely, BBB is encouraging the public to use its Winter Storm Resource Center, a free online hub offering practical guidance before, during, and after winter weather events.
Winter storms often lead to urgent needs such as snow removal, plumbing repairs, heating services, and roof or property damage repairs. Unfortunately, this urgency can make consumers more vulnerable to dishonest contractors, misleading advertisements, or inflated prices.
“During and after storms, emotions run high and people may feel pressure to act quickly,” said Paula Fleming of the Better Business Bureau. “That’s exactly when scams and unfair practices are more likely to appear. Our goal is to help residents make informed decisions and avoid becoming victims while they’re trying to stay safe.”
The BBB Winter Storm Resource Center includes:
- Tips on preparing for winter storms, including planning ahead and protecting your home
- Guidance on hiring snow removal, repair, and cleanup services safely
- Advice for recovering after a storm, including avoiding so-called “storm chasers”
- Information on how to recognize and report price gouging and scams through BBB Scam Tracker
Residents are encouraged to research businesses before hiring, get written estimates, avoid paying in full upfront, and be cautious of anyone who shows up unsolicited offering emergency repairs.
BBB also reminds consumers that trusted local businesses can be found by checking BBB Ratings and customer reviews, especially during times of high demand.
The Winter Storm Resource Center is available year-round and can be accessed at:https://www.bbb.org/all/natural-disasters/winter-storms
BBB encourages residents to bookmark the page and share it with family, friends, and neighbors as storms continue throughout the season.
