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Federal Trade Commission
Consumer Protection-
Scamming contractors will promise to do the work, but leave you and your home worse off than when you started. They may do shoddy work, damage your home, overcharge you, or just take your money without performing any services. Before you hire a contractor, learn how to recognize the signs of a home improvement scam.
Signs of a Home Improvement Scam
How can you tell if a contractor might not be reputable? Here are some tactics scammers use:
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Scammers knock on your door looking for business because they are “in the area.”
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Scammers say they have materials left over from a previous job.
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Scammers pressure you for an immediate decision.
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Scammers ask you to pay for everything up front or only accept cash.
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Scammers ask you to get any required building permits.
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Scammers suggest you borrow money from a lender they know.
Before you sign anything or start work, we can make sure they are licensed and insured and there are no complaints filed against them with the State Board, or consumer protection agencies. We will also run personal backgrounds on the contractors to verify that all information, down to their street address and phone number, are for real.