In an effort to safeguard residents from fraudulent contractors, Shreveport Mayor Cedric B. Glover is asking that local media outlets remind citizens whose homes sustained damage from this week’s storms, to be cautious when hiring a contractor to do repair work.

“The bottom line is there will be those out there taking advantage of people who are trusting and more importantly, just don’t know any better, says Ross Montelbano, Chief Building Official for the City of Shreveport.

Montelbano offers three precautionary points residents must consider, to ensure that the contractor they’re dealing with is with a reputable company.

1. Do not give money up front to anyone. Most good contractors have charge accounts with suppliers. Paying money up front may leave you with nothing in return.

2. Do not let anyone do construction, electrical, heating-a/c, or plumbing work, without seeing a City permit. The permit forces us to go out and approve their work.

3. Only pay, after the City has inspected your contractor’s work.

For more information call Ross Montelbano or Permits at: 318.673.6104