FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky's Attorney General Daniel Cameron has joined forces with city and county officials in western Kentucky to launch a contractor registration program to protect tornado victims from potential fraudsters.

In response to the severe damage caused by recent tornadoes and storms, Cameron launched an emergency contractor registration program to register contractors looking to assist storm victims. The program aims to prevent “fly-by-night” contractors that often enter areas affected by natural disasters in an attempt to take advantage of consumers, Cameron said in a press release. 

The program requires contractors to register prior to doing business. Registered contractors will be issued placards, which must be displayed on their job sites and in the contractor’s vehicle.

“We know that the Kentucky communities affected by the tornadoes face a long road to rebuild, and we will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them during this process,” said Cameron. “Our hope is that launching this contractor registration program in partnership with the City of Mayfield and Graves County will assist Kentuckians with identifying registered contractors and deter unscrupulous contractors from entering the region.”

Mayor Kathy O’Nan and Judge Executive Jesse Perry both agreed that their hope is to protect both citizens and genuine contractors.

Starting 12:00 p.m. CT on Monday, Dec. 27, representatives from the Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection will be on site in Mayfield to assist with processing and registering contractors.

The office will be located at 1102 Paris Road #5 in Mayfield, and will be open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT.  Officials said the office will be closed Dec. 30 and 31. Questions can be directed to the office by calling (502) 871-2424.

Contractors who are already registered in Mayfield or Graves County can stop by the office to complete registration with Attorney General staff and receive a placard. Those who are not registered will need to complete those registrations before receiving one.

The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, the Graves County and City of Mayfield governments, and the Home Builders Association of Kentucky offered the following tips for hiring a contractor for home or business repairs:

• Research contractors or repair companies and get more than one estimate. Search for contractors on BBB.org or the Home Builders Association of Western KY.
• Get a reference from friends or family, and check with the contractor registration office in Mayfield if you have questions about the registration status of a contractor.
• Reputable Contractors will have the proper insurance (Workers Compensation, if they have employees, and General Liability). They will provide proof of coverage when asked. By possessing the proper insurance coverage, the contractor protects you, the customer.
• Resist high-pressure sales tactics. Scammers often offer “special pricing” if you hire them on the spot. Do not feel forced to make a hasty decision to hire an unknown contractor.
• Be proactive in researching and selecting a contractor instead of reacting to sales calls or door-to-door pitches. Reputable contractors will not go door-to-door to solicit business.
• Do not pay a contractor or business upfront for their services.
• Do not sign insurance checks over to a contractor. Be sure to get an invoice from your contractor and pay them directly, preferably with a credit card, so that charges may be disputed, if necessary.
• Reputable contractors will provide the customer with a written contract detailing the scope of work, the general time frame of when the work will be done, and the cost of the project. Do not sign documents that give a contractor rights to your insurance claims.

Cameron's program will also provide scam and fraud prevention information to Kentuckians affected by the tornadoes. Brochures with scam prevention tips will be available at the Paris Road location and local residents are encouraged to visit to pick up a copy of the brochure. An electronic copy is also available here.