ST. LOUIS — A new legal task force is offering help to residents who say they were targeted by contractor fraud while rebuilding after the May 16, 2025, tornado, according to the City of St. Louis.
The Contractor Fraud Legal Task Force brings together volunteer attorneys, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. The city said the effort grew out of increasing reports of predatory practices affecting residents already dealing with property loss and difficult rebuilding decisions.
Under the program, Legal Services attorneys and volunteers will conduct intake screenings and assess whether residents may qualify for representation. The attorney general’s Consumer Protection Team will share relevant complaint information with Legal Services intake volunteers and may receive referrals involving repeat offenders or matters that require additional state resources.
No contractor is identified in the city’s announcement, and an allegation or complaint does not establish wrongdoing. Each matter must be reviewed on its own facts.
Residents seeking assistance related to tornado-recovery contractor fraud can begin through the Legal Services recovery intake page. The city said more information also will be posted through Legal Services and the St. Louis recovery website.
Consumer-protection agencies generally advise homeowners to slow down before signing repair agreements, get important promises in writing, verify a contractor’s identity and contact information, and avoid paying the full price in advance. Residents should keep contracts, invoices, receipts, messages and photographs in case questions arise later.
Get help: Legal Services of Eastern Missouri recovery intake
Source: City of St. Louis — Contractor Fraud Legal Task Force
