How To Avoid Contractor Scams

As a homeowner, you may need to make repairs or renovations to your home, or otherwise enlist the services of contractors. However, scammers and con artists may attempt to impersonate contractors and take advantage of your needs.

Detect suspicious parties and avoid falling for their contractor scams by being wary of the following behaviors:

• Arriving unannounced at your home
• Estimating substantially different costs than other contractors
• Requesting significant payment in advance
• Providing estimates as a single lump sum rather than an itemized list
• Failing to provide references or a business address

When considering hiring a contractor, do your due diligence and ask around your local area for references. You should also be wary of cash payments and document all transactions and communications.