Following tornadoes and severe storms that struck throughout Illinois Friday night, Attorney General Kwame Raoul warned Illinois residents to be on alert for scammers looking to exploit homeowners and business owners who may be in need of repairs from storm-related damage. Raoul cautioned residents that scammers often move quickly into communities to take advantage of people with damage to their homes or businesses. Raoul said general contractors are not required by state law to be licensed, but municipalities may require permits or have other local requirements. Home and business owners should check with their local governments for more information about permits or other local requirements before hiring anyone. Public adjusters must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI), and roofers must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Raoul offered the following tips to help families and businesses avoid dishonest contractors:

• Be wary of contractors who go door-to-door to offer repair services or “free” inspections. Ask for recommendations from people you know and trust and, whenever possible, use established local contractors.

• Visit the Better Business Bureau’s St. Louis or Chicago websites to see if a business is a member and whether any complaints have been lodged against it.

• Even if there is a need to act quickly, shop around. Get written estimates from multiple contractors, and don’t be rushed into a deal.

• Get all of the terms of a contract in writing, and obtain a copy of the signed contract.

• Never make the full payment until all the work has been completed to your satisfaction.

• Never pay in cash.

• Be aware that you have the right to cancel a contract within three business days if you signed it based on the contractor’s visit to your home.

• Ask to see required state and local permits and licenses. Insurance adjusters and roofers must be licensed by state agencies. It should raise a red flag if the roofer or adjuster does not have a required license, or if the name on the license doesn’t match the name on the business card or truck.

• Visit the IDFPR’s website, to search for roofing licenses. Visit the DOI’s website or call (866) 445-5364 to verify that a public adjuster is licensed and in good standing.