06/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/11/2025 07:51
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 29, 2025Contact: Caleb Kulich, Public Information Officer, (608) 621-1290, caleb.kulich@wisconsin.gov
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MADISON, Wis. - Last night, severe weather brought hail and a tornado to areas across northern Wisconsin. Consumers whose homes or other properties were damaged will likely seek out repair contractors, but they should practice caution while doing so. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) warns property owners that door-to-door solicitors may not be a reliable resource for home repairs.
DATCP often receives reports of transient repair crews showing up in the aftermath of storm damage. These crews, sometimes called "storm chasers," go door-to-door in affected neighborhoods using high-pressure tactics to solicit business. A repair crew knocking on a consumer's door and promising a quick fix may be tempting, but storm chasers have been known to provide poor quality work, or take payment and not complete any work at all.
In many cases, storm chasers are not from Wisconsin. They travel throughout the Midwest during the spring and summer months to take advantage of vulnerable consumers, making them difficult to track. If something goes wrong, it could be impossible for a consumer to get their money back. DATCP encourages consumers to hire established local contractors instead of risking their money and property on unknown, out-of-state crews. Consumers should:
Wisconsin's storm chaser law protects consumers and businesses against insurance fraud. Contractors:
Contact the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of Wisconsin at oci.wi.gov or (800) 236-8517 with questions about insurance agents, adjusters, or companies.
For more information and consumer protection resources or to file a complaint, visit DATCP's Consumer Protection webpage at ConsumerProtection.wi.gov. DATCP's Consumer Protection Hotline can be contacted at (800) 422-7128 or DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov.
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