AG warns Kansans: Beware of scammers after weekend storms

TOPEKA, Kan. (KCTV) - Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is warning residents to watch out for unregistered roofing contractors after this weekend’s storms.

A tornado, hail and high winds tore through parts of the Kansas City metro and surrounding counties on Friday, March 6, leaving homeowners scrambling to make repairs.

Kobach says that urgency is exactly what scammers count on.

“After a storm, our instinct is to clean up and make repairs as quickly as possible,” Kobach said. “When considering roofing work on a home or business, it is important that consumers make sure their roofing contractor is properly registered before signing any contract or having any work done.”

What You Need to Know

The weekend storms produced:

• A tornado in Johnson County
• High winds in Johnson, Cherokee and Butler Counties
• Hail in Butler County

How to Protect Yourself

Under the Kansas Roofing Contractor Registration Act, roofing contractors are required to hold a valid registration certificate from the AG’s Office before legally offering or performing services.

Before hiring any contractor, the AG’s Office recommends:

• Ask for the contractor’s registration certificate or registration number and verify that it shows an “In Good Standing” status HERE
• Get at least three written estimates from different contractors
• Ask for recommendations and references
• Check compliant records with the Better Business Bureau
• Understand your payment options and right to cancel

Report Unregistered Contractors

Staff from the AG’s Roofing Registration Unit say they are already working with local officials in storm-affected areas.

Kobach is urging residents to promptly report any unregistered individual or company attempting to sell roofing services.

Reports can be filed HERE.