Introduction
Home repair scams are issues we run into often after the damage has already been done. The most important thing to remember is to only deal with companies you know and only when you call them. However here are some other helpful warning signs.
Warning signs
These are some of the warning signs you may encounter early on if someone is trying to scam you.
- Someone arrives at your door from outside your area offering to perform work well below the market price for your area
- Solicitations to perform work comes from a company with only a telephone number of PO box.
- Sales person comes to your home and offers to inspect your home for free.
- A contractor asks you to sign a contract that still has blank spaces.
Danger signs
If any of the following occur stop what your doing and seek more information
- If a contractor requires payment in full before any work will begin or equipment is on site.
- Contractor requests that you write the check out to someone other then the company he works for.
- A Contractor refuses to provide references or proof of insurance on request.
- Contractor offers “discount” prices that seem to good to be true.
What to do
- Do not open your door to any sales person or contractor unless you called them first and scheduled an appointment
- Get written estimates and write down who you talked to and when
- Check the contractors background, references, and prior work.
- Never sign a contract with blank spaces or that you do not understand.
- Check with the BBB on the company or organization.
- If in doubt, contact the office of the Attorney General, Better Business Bureau, or your local Chamber of Commerce for more information or to report anything you think might be a scam.
Most importantly, keep your self informed. If you stay knowledgeable you will be much better prepared and in a better position to know when something seems fishy.
