As many parts of the nation rebuild after hurricane damage, home repair scams are again on the rise. This is a major problem, but whenever there is a lot of rebuilding to be done, it is common to see a resurgence in these scam artists. Home owners that are already in a desperate state are much easier to take advantage of, and these faux contractors know just what to say to get them to part with their money. Even if you do not live in an area where devastation has occurred, you can still be a victim of a home repair scam. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
1. Be wary if they approach you.
A good contractor is someone that you approach for help when you are ready to hire someone. A bad contractor will typically seek you out first. Unless you know the person or they are well respected in the community, be very wary if someone approaches you and recommends improvements that need to made to your house. Most scam artists will use this approach, and it works quite well for them.
2. Ask to see references – and then follow up.
Just getting references from a contractor is not enough to prove they are legitimate. You’ll need to follow up on each one of those references to ensure that you are dealing with someone that is above board. Be advised however that it is all too easy to get family and friends to act as a reference, so this strategy can backfire.
3. Check with the BBB.
The Better Business Bureau is a great place to start if you are trying to find out if a company is legitimate. Call them up or visit them online and enter in all the information you have on a contractor. If you see complaints, do not hire them. Again, this is not a 100% effective strategy, since scam artists usually change company names and phone numbers, it is an important step to take.
4. Check with your neighbors.
It is common that scam artists will try to hit as many people in one neighborhood as possible. Check with your neighbors to see if they have been contacted as well. Successful contractors generally don’t need to drum up business, especially using these methods.
5. Ask to see their licensing.
Most states require contractors to be licensed. If your contractor refuses to provide this information, you definitely have a problem on your hands. Don’t pay anyone until they have given you enough evidence that they are a licensed contractor and capable of doing the work.
By taking the time to be careful, to follow up on references and to be wary, you can be assured that your risks of getting scammed are much less. While no method is perfect, the best defense is simply to say “No,” to anyone that you don’t know that offers to fix your house. This can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of heartache.
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Originally posted 2008-11-27 05:41:06. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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