JACKSON — Mississippi officials are encouraging homeowners affected by recent storms in the southern part of the state to carefully research contractors before agreeing to repair work, citing concerns about fraud and unlicensed construction activity in damaged communities.
The Mississippi State Board of Contractors said periods following severe weather often lead to an increase in questionable repair offers from out-of-town operators and scammers targeting residents eager to rebuild.
“Storm recovery creates urgency, and unfortunately scammers count on that,” Stephanie Lee said in a statement. “We understand families want to rebuild quickly, but rushing into an agreement with an unlicensed contractor can lead to unfinished work, unsafe repairs and significant financial loss.”
The agency said homeowners should verify that contractors are properly licensed before allowing work to begin. Licensed contractors are subject to state oversight and regulatory standards, officials said.
The warning comes as many South Mississippi residents continue cleaning up damage caused by recent storms and severe weather.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, complaints involving home repair scams routinely increase after natural disasters. Officials said warning signs can include contractors going door-to-door, demanding large upfront payments or pressuring residents to sign contracts immediately.
The contractors board recommends that homeowners seek referrals from trusted sources, obtain multiple written estimates and avoid paying the full cost of a project before work is completed. Residents are also urged to insist on written contracts outlining the scope of work, project timeline and payment terms.
Officials said consumers should use traceable forms of payment and report suspicious activity or unlicensed work to the state board.
“Choosing a licensed contractor is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make after a storm,” Lee said. “Our goal is to help Mississippi families recover safely, responsibly and without becoming victims of fraud during an already difficult time.”
The Mississippi State Board of Contractors regulates the state’s construction industry and investigates complaints involving unlicensed contractors and other violations.
