Oklahoma Attorney General Advises Tornado Victims To Be Careful About Contractor Fraud

As storm victims clean up debris and fix up their homes following Wednesday's tornadoes, the attorney general is advising them to be on the lookout for contractor fraud.

The Consumer Protection Unit of the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office placed signs in Shawnee and other areas that suffered damage, asking residents to call 1-833-681-1895 to reported suspected fraud.

When searching for a contractor to fix up a home, the Attorney General's Office said people can avoid being scammed by doing the following:

1. Stay patient and research companies.
2. Ask trusted people for the names of reliable contractors.
3. Use local companies that are established in the community.
4. Get written estimates from several companies.
5. Be careful if a contractor asks for a high up-front payment or cash payment.
6. Ensure roofers are registered with the Construction Industries Board.

Don Warden said four of his rental properties in Shawnee suffered damage to their roofs and other areas. The tornado destroyed the garage of one of those homes as well. Warden, who had been spending Thursday and Friday cleaning up the debris, said he already obtained a contractor who was trusted by his family.

"My daughter and son-in-law, it was their friend," said Warden.

But for other tornado victims who are still looking for contractors, Warden offered some advice.

"Never pay anyone before they do the work," said Warden. "Yeah, we had a guy come to him, to (to my friend's aunt's) son, and wanted money to start cleaning up that tree before (the work). And he said he got really irate because he wasn't going to pay him to do it."

Warden also recommended storm victims to not rush the process.

"You can check the Better Business Bureau," said Warden. "You don't have to be in a major hurry."