AG’s Consumer Protection Division To Offer Help, Info To Flood Victims

JACKSON, Miss. (PRESS RELEASE) – Attorney General Jim Hood announced today that representatives from the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office will be in Washington, Pearl River and Coahoma counties next week to provide important information and answer questions from consumers affected by recent flooding.

The Attorney General’s staff will offer educational materials related to home-repair scams and natural disaster recovery. Consumers will also be able to pick up free copies of sample contracts that homeowners can use when contracting for post-flood home repairs.

Employees of the Consumer Protection Division will also be available to meet with consumers who wish to file consumer complaints or have other consumer-related questions.

“Mississippians who lost their homes because of these devastating floods don’t need further injury from unscrupulous contractors or scammers,” Attorney General Hood said.

“We want to make sure that consumers know their rights and are equipped with the tools to prevent fraud and scams as they get back on their feet.  Consumers can meet face-to-face with my staff and get their questions answered.”

Consumers who are unable to attend one of the events in person are encouraged to visit www.AGJimHood.com for more information.

Consumer complaints may also be filed online. Anyone requesting materials by mail may call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 281-4418.

The Attorney General’s Office will be in Greenville and Picayune on Tuesday and in Clarksdale on Wednesday. Specific locations are:

Greenville

Tuesday, March 22

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Washington County Courthouse

900 Washington Ave.

Picayune

Tuesday, March 22

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library

900 Goodyear Blvd.

Clarksdale

Wednesday, March 23

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Clarksdale City Hall

121 Sunflower Ave.

Attorney General Hood encourages Mississippians to be cautious when hiring home-repair contractors for flooding or storm damage and to use contractors within the state.

Consumers should ask for several local references and hire only licensed and bonded contractors.