CONTRACTOR SCAM PREVENTION TIPS

Unfortunately not all companies are reputable and their primary purpose is to “scam” you out of money: by definition scam is a dishonest scheme, a fraud or swindle.  We want you to be aware of and equipped to handle those contractors if you are approached by them.   

Here are some quick tips:  
•     Legitimate businesses understand that you want more information about their company and are happy to comply before making a decision; obtain a salesperson’s name, business identity, telephone number, street address, mailing address, and business license number before you transact business.
•     Do not sign a contract to do work until you have checked references and know that the company will be able to stand by their work should something go wrong.
•    Do not pay in advance of work and take your time to make a decision; never send money or give out personal information such as credit card numbers and expiration dates, bank account numbers, dates of birth, or social security numbers to unfamiliar companies or unknown persons.  
•    Read their workmanship warranty.  
•    Do not assume that they are local contractors even though they may say they are local.  Be very suspicious if they give you a PO Box for an address.   Your local contractors will be here to serve you if there should be workmanship issues after your roof and siding have been replaced.  Unfortunately many property owners have been stung and have no recourse after the work has been done by the “storm chasers”.  Local contractors depend upon word of mouth advertising and therefore their reputation is at stake if they provide poor workmanship.  Storm Chasers have moved onto the next community and therefore don’t care about their reputation.