Attorney General's News Release

April 9, 2004

Spring means return of home repair con artists, Nixon warns

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon warns Missourians to be on the lookout for a type of consumer fraud that comes with spring — home repair fraud. Every spring, con artists knock on doors offering to do home repairs and inspections. In some cases, the con artists convince consumers they need repairs that are not warranted. In other cases, they take money up front and never complete the work. Home repair issues always rank among the top complaints to the Attorney General's Office. In 2003, 1,390 consumers contacted Nixon's office about home repair matters. Home repair con artists often prey upon trusting seniors.

"You can protect yourself from these kinds of scams with a little know-how," Nixon says. "If someone knocks on your door offering you a suspicious home repair deal, say no, close your door and call the police."

One common scheme unfolds when workers come to a homeowner's door saying they want to pave the driveway with leftover asphalt from a previous job. Workers usually start the job and then say it will cost hundreds or thousands more to complete it. Other times, they just paint the driveway with black paint and then leave with the homeowner's money. Another fraudulent scheme occurs when workers recommend repairs to a foundation or attic that you can't see. These repairs are often worthless and overpriced.

Con artists have many tricks up their sleeves. Many work in groups. One will distract a homeowner while the other burglarizes the home. Some claim to be city building or health inspectors there to check the furnace. Once the con artists enters a home, they may cause damage or claim the house has a safety problem that needs repair right away and demand the homeowner pay them for the repairs. Another home repair con is an offer of a free home inspection.

Following these tips will help consumers avoid home repair con artists:

• Always check workers' credentials.
• Ask to see identification before letting someone in your home. If in doubt, call the company to verify the worker's identity. Get an address and phone number for self-employed workers.
• Get a written estimate and tell the workers you'll contact them. Then, get a second opinion and written estimates from one or two local firms.
• Get all guarantees in writing.
• Ask for references and call them.
• Remember this rule: if an offer is good "now or never," you can bet it will never be good.

Consumers who want to file a complaint against a home repair company should call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222 or get a complaint form.

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