Calcasieu Parish Starts New Contractor Fraud Task Force

A contractor fraud response team has been formed by Calcasieu Parish to help residents who have been victims of theft or fraud.

The Calcasieu Parish District Attorney's Office, the Sheriff's Office, and other agencies in SWLA are joining forces to fight and prosecute contractor fraud in our area.

District Attorney Stephen Dwight wants parish residents to contact his office if they believe they have be defrauded by a contractor. He told KPLC they will answer any questions you have and assign an investigator to your case. He promised to bring fraudulent contractors to justice.

Dwight also mentioned contractor fraud is on the rise in SWLA after Hurricanes Laura and Delta damaged our area. Sheriff Tony Mancuso told KPLC they have had 100 cases so far, with eight resulting in arrests. Mancuso said they're being aggressive with their investigations because contractors who swindle residents out of their hard earned money won't be tolerated in our parish.

The Sheriff also wanted to make sure residents were doing their part to prevent contractor fraud, like asking for references and being aware of red flags like:

• door-to-door solicitations
• demands for cash
• unusually large down payments
• no references
• no permanent address
• high pressure sales or scare tactics
• no insurance or license
• no contract information

You can contact the Contractor Fraud Task Force at 337-437-3405.