BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WOOD) — After a late February storm produced severe hail, the city of Battle Creek is warning community members of unlicensed contractors going door to door.

The city says people will often knock on doors and try to sell construction services following similar storms.

“They may be based outside Michigan, be unlicensed, and may ask you to sign a contract right away and/or pay money upfront,” officials wrote in a Thursday release.

All contractors are required by the state to be insured and licensed. And in Battle Creek, anyone selling door to door needs a vendor’s permit from the city. Officials say as of Thursday, no construction contractors have valid vendor’s permits to do so.

The city says all valid, active vendors will have an identification badge they can show you.

The front of a Battle Creek vendor badge. (Courtesy)
The front of a Battle Creek vendor badge. (Courtesy)
The back of a Battle Creek vendor badge. (Courtesy)
The back of a Battle Creek vendor badge. (Courtesy)

You can learn more about the process and find a current list of licensed vendors by visiting the city’s website.

If anyone comes to your door and ignores a “no soliciting” sign or won’t show an ID badge, you are encouraged to call the Battle Creek Police Department’s non-emergency line at 269.781.0911.