Alabama Residents Warned To Watch Out For Home Builder Fraud
Officials urge Lee County residents to keep an eye out for potential scammers as they recover and rebuild from the disaster left by a tornado earlier this month.
The Lee County District Attorney's Office held a news conference in partnership with the Alabama Attorney General, the Lee County Sheriff's Office and the Home Builders Licensure Board on Friday morning to provide information to the public regarding home repair fraud and scams, as well as issue a warning to potential scammers.
"The good people of Alabama are strong and determined, and we come together in times of crisis such as this," said Attorney General Steve Marshal in a news release. "In the devastation left by these storms, there is rebuilding to be done. As we move forward, it is important that consumers are mindful that unscrupulous people may seek to take advantage of their misfortune."
"To those who have suffered damage, we urge you to take precautions for your protection, and to those who would take advantage of this disaster, we warn that home repair fraud is a serious crime that will not be tolerated," Marshal continued.
Home repair fraud on the first offense is a misdemeanor. Second offense or any additional offenses of the crime afterward are class C felonies, which carry a sentencing range of one year and a day to 10 years imprisonment, according to Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes.
"I can almost assure you, (if you) come here and do this stuff, you're going to be spending some time in jail jail is no fun and that's where you'll be," Hughes said during the Friday news conference, to warn potential scammers.
What is home repair fraud?
Home repair fraud can include things such as an individual claiming to be a licensed contractor, a FEMA worker, or related when they are not; overstating damage; misrepresenting oneself to have another sign a contract; and other related issues, according to Hughes.
Asking a contractor to show a copy of their license is one of the first steps that can be taken in avoiding a scam, Home Builders Licensure Board executive director Chip Carden said during the Friday news conference.
"This is probably one of the most important steps you can take as far as protecting yourself from fraudulent contractors," Carden emphasized, and to request the builder provide references.
Contractors carry a credit-card-sized license that includes information such as their name, file number, address and current year, Carden said. This information can be verified by either calling 1-800-304-0853 or by searching the licensed contractor database available on the Home Builder Licensure Board's website, hblb.alabama.gov.
"Do your homework," Carden said. "Call any references the builder gives you and check with the board to confirm if a builder is licensed and in good standing. Don't be in a rush. A bad decision now can make a difficult decision even worse."
Carden also advised that residents get statements and contracts in written form, and to ask a contractor for proof of insurance, including workers' compensation and general liability.
"Very few people understand that if somebody gets hurt on your property and your contractor doesn't have workers' comp or general liability, then the homeowner is responsible."
Report scams or fraud
Officials also encouraged citizens to report any problems of scams or fraud to local law enforcement and the Lee County District Attorney's Office or Attorney General Marshall's Office.
Reporting problems of alleged fraud or scams to the Attorney General's office can be done by calling toll-free 1-800-392-5858 or through the office's website, www.ago.alabama.gov.
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