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Home Repair Scams

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Don't Become a Scam Victim

Making improvements to your home can be a stressful endeavor, but even more so with the threat of home-repair scams. How do you know if you can trust the contractor or repair service? Nobody wants to be the victim of a scam. Be informed about common home-repair scams and how to spot them. Here are some examples:

  • A contractor asks for a significant portion of money up front, and then disappears, never completing (or even starting) the project.

  • A contractor does a fast and faulty repair, like applying used motor oil to 鈥渞epave鈥 the driveway or painting shingles to make it look like the roof has been repaired.

  • A contractor who was 鈥渋n the neighborhood鈥 points out various items that need repair, often shaming the homeowner into paying for unnecessary or sub-par repairs. Or, he or she offers 鈥渇ree鈥 inspections and then breaks something on purpose in order to get paid to 鈥渇ix鈥 the problem.

  • A pair of contractors knocks on a door and one distracts the homeowner (perhaps insisting that he or she look at 鈥渄amage鈥 outside) while the other sneaks inside and steals valuables.
     

Take Precautions Against Home-Repair Scams

  • Do not let an unsolicited contractor inside your home.home repairman handing homeowner business card

  • Ask for a written contract that itemizes the costs and includes a timeline and payment terms.

  • Before signing a contract, get multiple estimates to determine a fair price.

  • Never pay in full up front, especially if cash is the only payment accepted.

  • Don鈥檛 be pressured into an on-the-spot decision, even for a discounted price.

  • Verify the contractor鈥檚 references.

  • Check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

  • Check for reviews about the company online.

  • Find out if the company is registered with your state board of contractors and your local building inspection office.

  • Make sure the contractor is insured and bonded.

  • If a utility worker requests access to your home without prior notice, verify his or her identity with the utility company before letting the worker inside.

 

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