Hancock County EOC Fraud Warning

Saturday, November 26, 2005

Hancock County Reminds Residents to be Aware of Fraud

Hancock County residents affected by Hurricane Katrina should use caution when hiring workers to help clean up the damage caused by the storm or when being solicited for charitable donations. Only hire reputable businesses for home repair or cleanup work and avoid paying with cash, especially before the work is completed. Things to remember:

•Do not pay cash to home repair contractors or tree removal services.
•No government employee will ask for money or a fee for a service they provide.
•Immediately call local law enforcement if you suspect someone of fraud.
•Always ask for identification.
•Require home repair contractors to obtain all necessary government licenses and permits, rather than leaving that burden on the consumer.
•Make sure tree removal services have proper occupational licenses from the local county or city government.
•Work only with reputable, established businesses. Avoid "contractors" who knock on your door offering to fix your roof or windows. Try to obtain more than one estimate for the repair work.
•Before signing a contract, check the payment terms and other provisions such as a completion date carefully. Don't pay a contractor in advance.
•Make sure you can contact the business. Be wary if they can only give you a pager number, a cell phone number, or a post office box address. Businesses with established addresses may be safer.

Hancock County citizens who have been a victim of fraud or suspect a contractor or charitable organization of trying to commit fraud are encouraged to contact the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office at 228-467-5101.

Citizens who suspect they are being overcharged by contractors or businesses should call the Consumer Protection Department in the Mississippi Attorney General's office: 1-800-281-4418.