Home Repair Fraud

Home repair fraud consistently ranks among the top consumer complaints made to the Missouri Attorney General’s office. Attorney General Jay Nixon urges Missourians to avoid home repair rip-offs by following these practices:

• Ask friends, relatives and coworkers for contractor referrals.

• Ask contractors for references who have projects similar to yours. Get written estimates from several firms.

• Make sure bids are based on identical project specifications.

• Get all guarantees, warranties, and promises in writing.

• Agree on start and completion dates and have them written into your contract.

• Be skeptical of unsolicited contractors who come to your door and offer reduced prices. They often will say they just completed a job nearby and have leftover materials. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

To file a complaint or check on a contractor you can call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222