Texas Attorney General warns against contractor fraud during clean up, rebuilding process

In the aftermath of tornadoes and violent storms in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, guard against contracting scams as you prepare to rebuild. Take the extra time to evaluate and hire reputable contractors to avoid being defrauded. The Texas Attorney General’s consumer protection hotline will remain open and they stand ready to assist anyone who has been preyed upon after this disaster. Please call 800-621-0508 to report unscrupulous behavior.

Tips from the Attorney General’s Office to avoid contractor fraud during the clean-up and rebuilding process:

• Contact an insurance adjuster to get an estimate of the damage and repair cost.

• Don’t sign a check from your insurance company over to a contractor.

• Only do business with licensed or bonded contractors or builders. Get multiple estimates.

• Be cautious of contractors who solicit services door-to-door, especially those that are unfamiliar or from out of town and try to pressure you into signing a contract on the spot.

• Get the salesperson’s license plate number.

• Consult the Better Business Bureau to ensure you are working with a trustworthy business.

• Ask for referrals from people you trust and for references from contractors.

• Get more than one estimate on work, so you know if you’re being overcharged. Don’t be rushed into signing a contract and never pay in full up-front for promised work.

• Never pay cash up front to anyone for repairs. Consider paying by credit card to avail yourself of additional protections.

• Get everything in writing, including the terms of any warranty, and keep a copy of all documents.

Additional information to help tornado and storm victims protect against disaster-related scams is available on the attorney general’s website at https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/cpd/disaster-scams.

Consumers can report suspicious or fraudulent activity by filing a complaint online at https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/…/file-a-consumer-comp….

Information courtesy of Texas Attorney General’s Office