BBB Identifies Home Improvement Scams as Increased Risk
With warmer weather finally upon us, homeowners are taking to the great outdoors to perform the general home improvement and landscaping tasks. Unfortunately, this is also a typical time when scammers begin to pedal their wares and shop door-to-door for potential victims. According to the Better Business Bureau, home improvement scams are currently on the rise, and those who perform them are growing quite bold. To prevent becoming a victim of fraud yourself, use only a trusted home improvement contractor for your home’s needs.
Common Red Flags
To avoid becoming a potential victim of home improvement scams, watch for the following red flags when dealing with a contractor:
- They just happen to be in the area and knocked on your door.
- Their “low-price” guarantee is only good for one day.
- They explain that your personal safety is at risk.
- You must pay for their services upfront.
- They lack any professionalism, no credentials, and no listed phone number.
These are surefire signs you’re dealing with either a complete amateur or a scam artist looking for their next victim. Don’t even give them the time of day.
Bait and Switch
The bait and switch scam is the single most common type of home improvement scam around. The scam begins with a newspaper ad or a mailer advertising home project services at a deceptively low price. The consumer is enticed by saving some money. Once the contractor arrives, however, they begin to “notice” worse issues with the home. They claim these problems may pose a safety risk and must be fixed immediately, but it will be costly.
This is called a bait and switch. You started out paying low prices for low-quality services, and are ultimately charged for whole-home renovations.
Contact Us
For service that makes a difference, trust Peak Roofing & Construction to get the job done without resorting to scams. We know our work is high-quality, and we also know we can charge affordable prices because of our professionalism. Furthermore, give us a call at (972) 335-7325.
Jeff Riss
Jeff has 20 years of sales experience, a love of roofing, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. He leads Peak Roofing & Construction’s team but also is known for getting his hands (and knees) dirty on a job site. His passion for customer service, integrity, and quality craftsmanship drives his success. Peak Roofing & Construction is a family-owned, locally-operated business focused on doing things the right way. His deep understanding of roofing, gutters, windows, fences and exterior painting provide a strong foundation for running the business and serving his customers.