Consumer Alert!
We are compelled to make the public aware of a growing problem in the state of Michigan. In 2020, we counted numerous FAKE wildlife control names, in Google, posing as legitimate business' in SE Michigan. These names contain fraudulent reviews, posing as legitimate. There is a serious problem with false advertising & fraudulent reviews in this indistry.
If you call a number and the greeting says "Welcome to your Wildlife Service", rather than the actual company name - RUN! Generic lanuage is your tip off.
Regularly, we get calls from consumers who had a company out to provide a free quote and collect deposit to start the job. Unfortunately, they can't get them to start the project, and they wait. It appears that the work is subbed out to any contractor that they can get. Sometimes the company may be located out of state, but not always.
If you hire someone, and the contract reads:
50% deposit is non-refundable - even if you cancel the work before it starts.
Contractor is considered "independent contractor" for liability & taxes.
You have to ask yourself, do these terms have the customer's perspective in mind? Does the company have any control over the quality and workmanship? Who the heck did they send into my home, and do they even care? Is this independent contractor insurred?
Also, be on the lookout:
Paperwork from a different company than who you called initially.
Non-branded vehicles.
Inspector with generic shirt & paperwork.
Fake names are generic sounding with cheap looking or no logo.
Generic content on website.
If you see "as seen on", Fox News, CBS, NBC, ABC; ask yourself if you saw the brand there?
Stating they are the best, without evidence to back up the claim.
Fraudulent Reviews often:
Click on Face-book reviewer, is their Face-Book account empty or newly created?
Did google user review companies from all over the country.
Review multiple companies owned by same owner.
Sound like they are selling a solution to a problem (such as yours).
Legitimate companies spend serious money building a company over time.
Billboard Advertising - Our first billboard went up in 2009, and we budget well over $50,000/year.
Building an Experienced Team - Our most senior techs: Chad Started in 2007, Brian Started 2009, Aaron Started 2013. We have photos to prove it!
Branded Trucks - We currently have 5 branded fully equipped trucks.
Legitimate Reviews from Customers - We do not manufacture reviews. Our responses confirm if we can identify a customer.
Licensing & DNR Permit - We are on the list! Here is the list of legally permitted companies.
How do you ensure you are dealing with a legitimate company?
1) Check online for workers compensation insurance. This is easy. Pass any company that is not listed. Only established companies can afford this insurance.
2) Ask for Certificate of Liability Insurance. Here is our certificate.
3) If they do not have a DNR permit, then illegal operator. Here is the list.
4) Look up to incorporation documents. Notice if the name is used multiple times in a small georgraphical area. Does this make sense? What was the date of incorporation, and does it match the experience they claim? When searching look by "key word." Business Lookup.
5) If you call a particular company, and a truck shows up with a completely different name - SEND THEM AWAY.
6) If you already had someone out, did they provide you a contract or paperwork of some sort? Or, was it simply a non-descript invoice? If an operator claims a warranty, but nothing is in writing...you are in trouble. Also, if the invoice states "installed ridge-guard"...and you wanted bats out...you have problems. Did they warranty that you wouldn't have bats? Or, did they install ridge-guard and warrantied the install? If so, you have been tricked.
When you meet us, you will want to work with us.
Research companies further here.