Attorney General's News Release

September 25, 2006

Watch for con artists in wake of storms, warns Nixon

Jefferson City, Mo. — While residents of central and southeast Missouri clean up and assess damage from Friday's storms, Attorney General Jay Nixon is reminding consumers to watch out for crooks hoping to make money on the misfortune of others. Nixon says the most common home-repair ripoff after severe weather comes from the storm chaser, a con artist who targets homeowners in hard-hit areas.

“We can always count on the generosity of Missourians to help their neighbors,” Nixon said. “Unfortunately, we can also count on the scammers to try to rip off those consumers in dire need of repairs. As difficult as this process can be, I urge homeowners to be careful and take their time in hiring a repair company.”

Nixon says consumers should be suspicious of workers who:

• Drive vehicles that are unmarked or have out-of-state license plates;
• Solicit business door-to-door;
• Ask for full payment in advance;
• Have no physical address, just a phone or P.O. Box; or
• Don't carry identification.

Nixon makes these suggestions for selecting a home-repair company:

• Hire companies that are known or recommended. Check a company's record with the local Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General's Consumer Complaint Hotline (number below);
• Check the credentials of companies: verify their numbers and addresses in the phone book, check for county or other local permits, and ask if they are licensed, bonded and insured;
• Get at least two estimates and a third if possible;
• Get all agreements in writing, including description of the job, completion dates and price; and
• Pay in full only when the work is complete according to the agreement.

Nixon says home repair is always one of the top complaint categories his office receives, with nearly 1,200 consumer complaints in 2005. That made it the third-highest category of complaints. Consumers can report fraud by filing a complaint online with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division by visiting www.ago.mo.gov or by calling 1-800-392-8222.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818