Contractor Fraud Warning After Severe Weather

AG: Oklahoma Newsroom

Published April 6th, 2026

Detected April 7th, 2026

Summary

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a consumer alert warning homeowners about contractor fraud following severe weather. The alert provides six tips to avoid scams, including verifying contractor credentials, getting multiple written estimates, and being cautious of upfront payment demands. The Consumer Protection Unit can be reached at 1-833-681-1895.

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Oklahoma AG Drummond issued a consumer alert urging vigilance against contractor fraud after severe weather events. The notice identifies common scam tactics including large upfront payment demands, cash-only transactions, high-pressure sales, unsolicited offers, and fly-by-night operators appearing after disasters. The Consumer Protection Unit outlined six protective measures for homeowners.

While this is an informational notice rather than a binding rule, compliance teams at construction and home services companies should be aware of increased enforcement attention following storm events. Homeowners should verify contractor credentials through the AG's office, obtain multiple written estimates, and report suspected fraud to the Consumer Protection Unit at 1-833-681-1895.

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Drummond warns of contractor fraud after severe weather

Tweet PRINT Email Monday, April 06, 2026 OKLAHOMA CITY (April 6, 2026) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond is urging Oklahomans to stay vigilant for contractor fraud following last week's severe weather. Reports of scams involving repair work often increase in the weeks and months following damaging storms and tornadoes.

"In the aftermath of severe weather, scammers often target vulnerable homeowners trying to recover and rebuild," Drummond said. "While it is natural to want to make repairs quickly, taking the time to choose a reputable contractor is critical to protecting your home and finances."

Drummond's Consumer Protection Unit offers the following tips to help avoid contractor scams:

Ask for referrals from trusted family, friends and colleagues who have recent experience with home repairs. Local recommendations can provide valuable insight into a contractor's reliability and quality of work.
Get multiple written estimates from different contractors. These detailed proposals should clearly outline the scope of work, materials and total project costs. This approach helps homeowners compare options and identify any unusually high or suspiciously low bids.
Verify the contractor's local credentials and community standing. Established local businesses with a physical address and proven track record are typically more trustworthy than fly-by-night operators who appear after a disaster.
Be extremely cautious of contractors who demand large upfront payments or insist on cash transactions. Reputable contractors typically have structured payment plans and accept various payment methods.
Watch for red flags like high-pressure sales tactics, unsolicited offers or contractors who show up uninvited to offer repairs. Legitimate professionals understand that storm victims need time to make informed decisions.
Take the time to research before signing an agreement or contract. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Consumers can contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit at 1-833-681-1895 to check for complaints against a contractor or to file a complaint.

Last Modified on Apr 06, 2026