HARTFORD, Conn. -- Following this week's heavy rains and flooding conditions, the state attorney general has provided tips to residents seeking professional help to work on flood-damaged homes.

The attorney general's office warned consumers to use extreme caution to protect against unscrupulous contractors cashing in on the millions of dollars' worth of damage that resulted from this week's nor'easter.

"My office will continue to pursue rogue contractors, but consumers must protect themselves before the damage is done," Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said in a written release provided to Eyewitness News.

The attorney general's office recommends the following precautions:

• Request the contractor's license number and verify the license with the state by contacting the Attorney General's Office or the Department of Consumer Protection. A current registration assures that the consumer will be eligible to make a claim against the state guaranty fund in the event that the contractor defaults.
• Ask for references, including consumers who have used the contractor in the past. Contact them to confirm the quality of the contractor's workmanship and work ethic.
• Pay as little as possible up front and never pay in full before the work is complete. Set up a progress payment system where the contractor is paid in installments as major milestones in the work are completed.
• Ensure that the contractor obtains any required permits.

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