Disaster Recovery: Consumer Tips After the Storm

In the aftermath of the disaster in South Louisiana, Attorney General Jeff Landry is unleashing a new initiative in order to help those rebuilding their lives and homes.

“Predatory people are able to perpetrate their crimes as long as they remain anonymous,” said General Landry. “In order to protect themselves and others, homeowners are encouraged to use technology in a couple of simple, yet effective ways.”

If you are in the process of contracting for repairs caused by the recent devastation, General Landry encourages you to use the following tips:

• Take a picture of your contractor, his/her vehicle, and its license plate.
• Take a picture of the contractor’s business card and his/her driver’s license.
• Photograph or scan his/her contracting license and insurance.
• Photograph or scan the contract made with him/her.
• Photograph or scan all checks and money orders made as payments to the contractor.

Preserve all these photographs by emailing them to yourself and a trusted companion and/or by saving them in a cloud-based application.

All contractor companies should inform their employees that they will be photographed. A licensed professional contractor will be more than happy to take a selfie. If a potential contractor refuses a picture, it could be a sign of concern.

https://www.ag.state.la.us/