With summer just around the corner, it’s time to look forward to catching up on home repairs, remodeling projects, and other ways to enhance the value of your biggest investment. Maybe the roof is starting to show it’s age. Or, was the draft from the windows was just a little too much this past winter? No matter what your project, there’s a scammer ready to take your money.
How do unscrupulous home contractors work?
Door-to-door solicitations are a proven way for fake contractors to find victims. They’ll offer to do work at a reduced price and, once payment is made, do little or nothing. If you can even reach them, they’ll eventually disappear.
Usually, fake contractors will also pressure you to reach a decision immediately. Their timetable will be such that you won’t be able to check their license, get references, or get competitive bids.
Also, be on the lookout for the “free inspection” trick. Sure, lots of legitimate businesses do free inspections. However, the free inspection performed by an unscrupulous home contractor is guaranteed to find problems that need “immediate” repair.
There’s also the whole issue of payment with these fake contractors. They’ll want a huge downpayment. Under the law, they can only collect ten percent or $1,000, whichever is less. Because they’ll want to be paid in cash, you’re especially vulnerable if you do pay.
What you can do to avoid becoming a victim
- Never trust a solicitor who cold calls you or shows up at your door.
- Always check references that you obtain independently. If you trust the references provided by a scammer, you’re falling into their trap.
- Check out the business with the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org.
