When selecting a home professional, using a few guidelines can help protect you from fraudulent contractors. These warning signs indicate a contractor who may be running a scam:
- Does not list a number in the phone book.
- Asks you to get required building permits.
- Only accepts cash.
- Solicits door-to-door.
- Says you will get a discount if you find other customers for that contractor.
- Uses left-over materials to complete your job.
- Tells you your job will be a demonstration.
- Offers exceptionally long guarantees.
- Asks you to pay for the entire job up front.
- Suggests you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows.
- Try to scare you into signing for repairs that they say are urgent.
- Demands a lien on your property.
Always read and understand every word of a contract before signing it. If you don't understand something, ask for clarification, and NEVER sign a contract with a service professional who makes promises that sound too good to be true.
-- Tips courtesy of Service Magic
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