Attorney General's News Release

April 23, 2007

Nixon to consumers: watch for con artists as home-repair season begins

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon says his office already has hundreds of complaints this year about home repair contractors, and he says that number will just keep growing. As spring and summer arrive and more Missourians have work done on their homes, Nixon is urging consumers to watch out for tell-tale signs of fraud.

“Along with warm weather, flowers, grass and trees coming back, an unfortunate spring tradition is the home repair con artist,” Nixon said. “Every year we see criminals going door to door and using other tricks to rip off Missouri consumers.”

The Attorney General says consumers this year may have more repairs than usual because of leftover damage from summer, fall and winter storms during the past year.

Nixon says consumers should be suspicious of workers who:

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

When selecting a home-repair company, Nixon offers consumers these tips:

• 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.

Some contractors may not offer a contract, preferring instead to operate on a handshake agreement. In these cases, consumers can draft their own contract using a worksheet available from the Consumer Corner section of the Attorney General's Web site.

Nixon's office took more than 1,300 consumer complaints on home repair and remodeling in 2006, making it the sixth-highest category of complaints. Consumers can report fraud by filing a complaint online with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division by visiting 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 the Press Secretary.

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