The Builders List
🚩 Common Contractor Scams
Storm Chasers
After hurricanes, out-of-state contractors flood the Gulf Coast. They knock on doors, demand large upfront payments, and disappear before the work is done. Always verify they're licensed in Mississippi and have a physical local address.
Assignment of Benefits (AOB) Traps
Some storm chasers ask you to sign an "Assignment of Benefits" — a document that lets them negotiate directly with your insurance company and receive your claim payouts. Never sign an AOB without reading it carefully or consulting your insurance agent first. Once signed, the contractor controls your claim and can inflate costs or sue you if you disagree.
Bait-and-Switch Pricing
A contractor gives you a low initial estimate to win the job, then "discovers" expensive problems once demolition starts. Get everything in writing before work begins, including a clause that any change orders require your written approval.
Deposit Theft / No-Show
Legitimate contractors typically ask for 10-30% down. Scammers ask for 50%+ upfront and never start. Never pay more than 30% upfront in Mississippi. Use a credit card if possible for purchase protection.
Price Gouging After a Disaster
Mississippi law makes it illegal for contractors to charge excessive prices during a declared state of emergency. If a price seems extreme, compare with other listings and report suspected gouging to the Mississippi Attorney General's office. Violations over $500 in 24 hours are a felony.
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