Oklahoma Homeowners Warned About Weather Repair Fraud

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt issues a warning Wednesday for residents who may have had damage by storms across the state this week.

Pruitt said home repair schemes and charity fraud typically follow in the wake of weather damage.

"We know from past experience that this type of damage attracts criminals looking for ways to take advantage of Oklahomans," Scott Pruitt said. "We're getting the message out now so people can be aware of such quick-fix schemes and spread the word to neighbors and family members before they become victims."

He says home repair and charity fraud are the most likely scams Oklahomans will encounter after storms.

"Within the next few days, home and business owners will want to repair storm damage quickly, but we caution them to be patient and make sure they are using a reputable home repair contractor. Investigators with our Public Protection Unit have prosecuted unscrupulous repair workers, commonly called travelers, who follow storms across the country to profit from the misfortune of others," said Scott Pruitt.

Attorney General Scott Pruitt suggests the following tips for choosing a proper contractor or repair service:

• Ask people you trust for referrals;
• Whenever possible, deal with local firms;
• Check out the repair service with the Attorney General's Public Protection Unit and the Better Business Bureau;
• Ask for customer references;
• Get written estimates from several firms;
• Don't do business without a written contract;
• Get all guarantees, warranties and promises in writing;
• Agree on start and completion dates and have them written into the contract.

The Attorney General cautioned Oklahomans to be wary of repair services and contractors who:

• Solicit door-to-door;
• Offer discounts for finding other customers;
• "Just happen to have" materials left over from a previous job;
• Accept only cash payments;
• Pressure you for an immediate decision;
• Ask you to pay for the entire job up-front.

Oklahoma Attorney General Office Scam Prevention Information.