On Your Side: Protect yourself from phony contractors OYS: Protect yourself from phony contractors By Jennifer Horton | April 1, 2021 at 7:37 PM CDT - Updated April 1 at 7:37 PM BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Dozens of homeowners in Alabama are waiting for needed repairs after more than 30 tornadoes ripped across our area in March. Because of the pandemic, Hurricane Sally and recent storms the damage outweighs the number of contractors. The increased demand sets the scene for unscrupulous business and phony contractors. Experts say it’s not ‘if’ unlicensed workers will show up, but ‘when.’ Chip Carden, Executive Director of the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board says the unlicensed construction crews often follow storm damage, looking to make good on a homeowner’s bad fate.