Home improvement scams cost Americans $1.2 billion annually (FTC), with criminals posing as contractors to steal deposits or perform shoddy work. Here’s how to spot and avoid these costly cons.

🚧 8 Red Flags of a Home Improvement Scam

1. “Leftover Materials” Discount Offers

• Scam: Door-to-door contractors claim they have “extra materials” from another job
• Truth: Often use cheap/inferior products
• Recent twist: Solar panel “government discount” scams

2. High-Pressure Sales Tactics

• Phrases to watch for:
  “This price is only good today!”
  “Your roof will collapse if we don’t fix it now!”
• Legit contractors provide written estimates without pressure

3. Cash-Only Demands

• Why scammers love cash:
• No paper trail
• Can’t dispute charges
• Safe alternative: Credit cards offer fraud protection

4. No Physical Business Address

• Warning signs:
• Only a P.O. Box listed
• “We work nationwide” claims from local ads
• Refuses to meet at their office

5. Unmarked Trucks/Vanishing Licenses

• Scam indicators:
• No company logos on vehicles
• Claims “license is being renewed”
• Out-of-state plates (common with storm chasers)

6. Large Upfront Payments

• Dangerous requests:
  “We need 50% deposit to buy materials”
  “Pay the full amount before we start”
• Industry standard: 10-30% deposit, balance upon completion

7. Vague or Missing Contracts

• What’s missing in scam contracts:
• No start/end dates
• Unclear materials specifications
• Missing warranty info
• Always get: Detailed scope of work in writing

8. “I Noticed Your…” Cold Approaches

• Common scripts:
  “Your roof has missing shingles” (when it doesn’t)
  “I was working nearby and saw your foundation issues”
• Legit contractors don’t solicit door-to-door

💰 Most Targeted Home Repairs for Scams

1. Roofing (Fake storm damage claims)
2. Paving/Driveways (Disappearing asphalt crews)
3. HVAC (“Your furnace is leaking carbon monoxide!”)
4. Tree Removal (Uninsured workers causing property damage)
5. Water Damage Restoration (Fake mold inspections)

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself

✔ Verify licenses: Check with your state’s contractor board
✔ Get 3 written estimates before deciding
✔ Check reviews: BBB, Google, Angi (formerly Angie’s List)
✔ Pay incrementally: Never pay 100% upfront
✔ Use escrow services for large projects

📌 If You’ve Been Scammed

1. Document everything (photos, contracts, texts)
2. Report to:

• State attorney general’s office
• FTC (ReportFraud.ftc.gov)

1. Dispute charges if paid by credit card

🔨 Remember: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always research contractors thoroughly before hiring.

ContractorScam #HomeImprovement #ConsumerProtection #FraudAlert