Kankakee, IL — Officials across Kankakee County are warning residents to remain cautious after reports surfaced of contractors approaching homeowners offering unsolicited storm repair services following Tuesday evening’s severe weather.
According to the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office, county and city officials are urging residents to be skeptical of individuals going door-to-door requesting to inspect or repair property damage allegedly caused by the storms that moved through the region Tuesday night.
Authorities say storm recovery periods often attract individuals attempting to take advantage of homeowners who may be dealing with urgent damage and are looking for quick repairs. Officials emphasized that while some contractors may be legitimate, others may not be properly licensed or authorized to operate in the area.
“Unfortunately, there are some that take advantage of the vulnerable, which includes desperate homeowners dealing with crisis due to weather-related damage,” said Kankakee County Board Chairman Matt Alexander-Hildebrand in a statement released Tuesday.
Officials are encouraging residents who feel uneasy about a contractor’s offer to contact local authorities to verify the legitimacy of the business and ensure the contractor is properly licensed to perform work within Kankakee County.
Authorities also advise homeowners not to sign contracts immediately, avoid paying large upfront deposits, and confirm licensing before agreeing to inspections or repairs.
Residents seeking to verify contractors or report suspicious activity can contact the Kankakee County Planning Department Building Division at (815) 937-2940. Those within the City of Kankakee can also contact the City of Kankakee Code Department at (815) 936-7390 for assistance.
Officials say taking time to confirm contractor credentials can help prevent residents from becoming victims of scams while recovering from storm damage.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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