New Orleans, a victim of Contractor fraud.

Hurricane season is only 3 months away. And, post-Katrina reconstruction in full swing. After only two days of observing New Orlean’s devastation I wonder exactly how vulnerable is New Orleans to Contractor fraud? The good thing is that the city is aware of the problem and active in looking for remedies. This evening on News Channel 6 there was a brief report on a neighborhood watch being formed in St. Bernard’s parrish. The report stated that there were 37 neighborhood watches before Katrina. Now, this neighborhood watch will offer, as a main focus, protection for the residents from Contractor fraud. One victim was defrauded of $16,000 when she contracted to have her house repaired. She was in a rush and could not do it herself. She now regrets not putting extra time in researching the contractor. Also, a sheriff reported that he is on the look out for fraudulent Contractors. The neighborhood watch may be a helpful resource for immigrant workers to tap into. The more people and organizations know about Contractor fraud, the stronger the support will in at least locating contractors to get immigrant workers paid.
The news report also included a blurb about the many volunteer’s coming down on Spring break working with organizations around town to gut out people’s homes. The number for victims to call to have their house gutted out for free is 311 – on a first come, first serve basis. Also, www.Wdsu.com is a good resource.
It’s exciting to be here, and an honor to be a part of the student movement helping to bring normality to people’s lives here in New Orleans.