Ill. AG Says to be Aware of Spring Home Scams

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is warning Illinois consumers to be alert when it comes to signing up for winter or spring storm repairs as home repair fraud is no laughing matter and rip-offs can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

“Each year, my office receives more than 22,000 consumer complaints. Construction and home repair fraud has ranked as one of the top three complaints for the past 10 years,” Madigan said. “In 2004, it was third on our list with 2,895 complaints. More than 2,000 of those were specifically about questionable remodeling work.”

Madigan said homeowners should be especially aware of con artists who directly solicit consumers eager to repair storm damage. She also urged consumers to beware of so-called “storm chasers” who go door-to-door offering fraudulent deals to homeowners who are eager to clean up and repair damage to their property after storms.

Consumers can visit Madigan’s Web site for more consumer protection information and to download a consumer complaint form at www.IllinoisAttorneyGeneral.gov.