Home repair scams on the rise as monsoon storms hit Arizona

PHOENIX — With the monsoon season in full swing, Arizona residents not only need to be aware of what’s happening up above, but also who’s knocking on your door.

According to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, there has been an uptick in home repair scams following monsoon storms in the state.

“We know that when the big storms hit, people often have to hire companies to do repair work around their house and maybe even remove some trees or repair damaged fences,” Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Friday. “So along with this repair work, we have seen scammers and crooks come in to take advantage of hard-working Arizonans.

“It’s bad enough when the big storm hits and your tree falls over into the neighbor’s yard, but it’s really even worse when someone then rips you off.”

Most of these scammers will drive through neighborhoods looking for downed trees or other storm damage. They will then come up to your door, offering their services.

Brnovich said to not feel pressured or hurried into contracting with someone, however, especially if they come to your door and always be wary of using someone you don’t know.

Another step in preventing scams is contacting the Arizona Registrar of Contractors to make sure they have a valid license for the work they are doing.

“I tell all my friends and family this, ‘shop around,'” Brnovich said. “Ask for written estimates, preferably from at least a couple of different contractors or maintenance folks and never pay for an entire job before it’s been completed to your satisfaction.

“The ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and as we are all trying to reason with the monsoon season we want to make sure that we don’t get taken advantage of.”

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Nailea Leon contributed to this report.

Follow @KTAR923