Jefferson City, MO - While residents in the St. Louis metro area survey damage from Wednesday's storm and begin the recovery process, Attorney General Jay Nixon says to watch out for scam artists. Nixon says thieves known as “storm chasers” target hard-hit areas claiming to offer home-repair services. He says storm chasers often go door-to-door, offering quick services for consumers who may be in urgent need of repairs, whether it's a new roof, windows, siding or other work.

“Storm chasers are predictable creatures,” Nixon said. “Consumers need to know there are people out there who want to take advantage of their misfortune by promising services, collecting money and not following through on the job.”

Nixon says consumers should be suspicious of anyone who:

Offers services door-to-door;

Drives an unmarked vehicle or has out-of-state plates;

Demands full payment in advance;

Has no address, just a phone or P.O. Box;

Uses a high-pressure sales technique; or

Has no I.D.

Nixon says consumers should follow these suggestions when hiring a home-repair company:

Hire known or recommended companies. Check for complaints against a company through the St. Louis-area Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General's Consumer Complaint Hotline (number below);

Check the credentials of companies: verify their numbers and addresses in the phone book, check for county or other local permits, and ask if they are licensed, bonded and insured;

Get at least two estimates and a third if possible;

Get all agreements in writing, including description of the job, completion dates and price; and

Make full payment only when the terms of the contract are met.

Nixon's office has already received more than 700 consumer complaints on home repair in 2006. The office took nearly 1,200 complaints in 2005. Home repair is often one of the top complaint categories reported to the Attorney General. Consumers can report fraud by filing a complaint online with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division by visiting www.ago.mo.gov or by calling 1-800-392-8222.