Avoiding Home Repair Scams

Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler says it’s that time of year again when many consumers consider home improvement projects–and when scam artists may make the rounds. Springtime often brings out roving con artists who knock on people’s doors and offer to do work such as roofing, gutter cleaning, driveway paving or tree pruning. They sometimes appear in the aftermath of hailstorms or tornadoes, offering to repair storm damage. Some warning signs of a scam include:

• an offer of a reduced price because they’ve “just done a job nearby and have materials left over;”
• an offer of a “special” percentage off the repair without being clear about what the bottom-line price will be;
• no street address or telephone number, just a post office box or an answering service; and,
• a refusal to give a written estimate or contract.

Attorney General Gansler offered these tips for consumers who need work done on their homes:

• Get recommendations for contractors from satisfied friends and neighbors.
• Ask to see a contractor’s license, and get the license number and expiration date. In some states, contractors must display their home improvement license number on all of their home improvement contracts, trucks and advertisements.
• Call your local consumer protection agency to ask about any complaints filed against the company.
• Get references and check them to see if the work was done properly, on schedule, and within the contract price.
• Get estimates from at least two or three companies, especially for expensive repairs.

Labels: Gansler, home improvement, scam

posted by Consumer Help Web Editorial Team at 10:14 AM |