WBRZ - Baton Rouge

CENTRAL - Dozens of people in Central are stuck with Hurricane Isaac debris in their yards. This, after contractors who collected it told them the city would haul it away.

City leaders warn that DPW workers will not pick up debris cut down by paid contractors.

David Barrow, Central Chief Administrative Officer explains, "It's a law in East Baton Rouge Parish that we also have here in Central that says any tree work done by a private tree service or contractor has to be hauled off by the contractor."

To protect yourself from fraud:

- always have a contract signed by both parties.
- check the contractor's background through the Attorney General's Office.. Or the state licensing board.
- never pay up front