Spot the Scam: Contractor Fraud

Target:

• Money

Tactic(s):

• Ask for Advance Payment
• Ask for All Cash Payment
• No Contract or Confusing Contract
• No Permit, Insurance, or License
• Repeated “Unexpected” Problems
• High-Pressure Sales Pitch
• A Great Deal on “Leftover” Materials
• Suspiciously Low Prices
• Show Up at Your Door Unexpectedly

Know This:

• Verify Licenses, Insurance, and Permits
• Get a Written Estimate – or Better Yet, Several
• Make Sure to Get a Contract
• Use Traceable Payments
• Avoid Upfront Payments
• Do Your Research