Following severe storms and tornadoes in central Illinois last Saturday, Attorney General Lisa Madigan warned residents in impacted areas to be on alert for scammers looking to exploit homeowners and business owners who may be in need of repairs from storm-related damage. Madigan encouraged local residents and business owners to call local law enforcement agencies and her office’s Consumer Fraud Hotline in Springfield, 1-800-243-0618, to report any suspicious activity. Madigan offered the following tips to help protect families and businesses from dishonest contractors:

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

• Call the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Hotline (1-800-243-0618 in Springfield) to check out a contractor and to learn if any complaints have been filed against a particular business.

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

• Never make 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.