Jun 23, 2023
A podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties:
A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara, for supporting this podcast
Use caution when hiring a home
improvement contractor,
especially following a major
storm, flood, or weather event when
many homeowners are trying to repair their homes. However,
contractor scams can happen anytime, so be wary of high-pressure
sales tactics, upfront fees, and fly-by-night businesses. Con
artists will take homeowners’ money and deliver (or not deliver)
less than quality work.
How the scam works:
Home improvement scams can start with a knock on the door, a flyer, or an ad. The contractor may offer a low price or a short timeframe. One common hook is when the scammer claims to be working in your neighborhood on another project and has leftover supplies.
Once started, a rogue contractor may "find" issues that
significantly raise the price. If you object, they threaten to walk
away and leave a half-finished project. Or they may accept your
upfront deposit and never return to do the job. Following a natural
disaster, scammers persuade homeowners to sign over their insurance
payments.
Tips to spot this scam:
To report a scam, go to BBB Scam Tracker.
Be sure to check out more scam warnings on Scam Squad