Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has issued a warning to residents about potential scams by transient contractors following recent storm damage in several counties. The affected areas include Barton, Cloud, Dickinson, Douglas, Geary, Gove, Graham, Johnson, Leavenworth, Lincoln, Marion, Marshall, Miami, Morris, Osage, Phillips, Pottawatomie, Pratt, Rooks, Russell, Saline, Shawnee, Wabaunsee and Wyandotte.
“After a storm our instinct is to clean up and make repairs as quickly as possible,” Kobach stated. “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.”
Kobach advises consumers to request a copy of their roofing contractor’s registration certificate or the company’s registration number. Consumers can confirm the company's registration status at https://ag.ks.gov/in-your-corner-kansas/resources/roofer-search.
The attorney general's office recommends additional precautions when dealing with transient contractors:
- Get recommendations and references.
- Obtain at least three written estimates from different contractors.
- Check contractor complaint records with the Better Business Bureau.
- Understand payment options and rights to cancel.
Staff from the attorney general’s Roofing Registration Unit are coordinating with local officials to assist both contractors and consumers. Registration with the attorney general’s office is required in addition to any local requirements imposed by cities or counties.
Under the Kansas Roofing Contractor Registration Act most roofing contractors must obtain a registration certificate from the Kansas Attorney General to legally offer commercial or residential roofing services for a fee. This act aims to ensure compliance with state requirements such as appropriate insurance coverage and to prevent unscrupulous operators from exploiting Kansas consumers.
Residents are encouraged to report any unregistered person or company attempting to sell roofing services. Complaints can be filed through the attorney general’s Civil Division Licensing and Inspections Unit at https://ag.ks.gov/complaint-center/report-unregistered-roofer or by calling 785.368.6644.