Scammers are always looking for new ways to deceive people for a quick buck. Here are some of the most common home improvement scams and how to avoid them.
The door-to-door scam
Knock-knock. There’s a scammer at the door! They’ve shown up, pretending to be a contractor or representatives of a home improvement company. They may offer to do work for a low price or even for free, claiming they’ve just finished working in the neighborhood and have extra materials, so they’re happy to work at a reduced or no cost.
Cheap or free labor sounds amazing, doesn’t it? And it is – until you realize the “contractor” is unlicensed or not insured, uses subpar materials and does shoddy work. They may also try to get you to sign a contract on the spot, not leaving you any time to research or get competing quotes.
Stay safe: Never hire a contractor on the spot. Always ask for proof of license and insurance and references of previous clients.
The high-pressure sales scam
“If I leave here without a signed contract, the deal’s gone!” Some scammers use high-pressure tactics to get you. They may offer a special deal you can only get for a very limited time. It’s take it (now) or leave it. Unfortunately, though, these tactics are only a ploy to pressure you into making a decision before you’re able to think twice. They may also hide extra fees or charges in the contract, and/or promise things that they cannot deliver.
Stay safe: Never rush to hire a contractor. Don’t be swayed by limited-time offers, and always read the contract carefully before signing.
Just trust me
Never hire a contractor without speaking to someone who’s used their services. If a contractor is in the middle of another job, ask if you can check out their work yourself. If a contractor refuses to furnish names and contact information of previous clients, move on to other options.
Stay safe: Ask for references and take the time to check them. Look up online reviews, verify the contractor's credentials, and confirm they're properly licensed and insured.
The “as seen on TV” scam
Some home improvement scams use the “as seen on TV” approach to trick you into thinking their product or service is endorsed by a reputable source. They claim their service has been featured on a popular TV show, but these claims are false or exaggerated.
Stay safe: Always do your research and read reviews from other customers on multiple platforms before hiring a contractor. Don’t assume claims of popularity are legit without verifying them first.
Too good to be true
If you’re offered a bid that is a lot lower than market price, ask questions. There’s a good chance you’re dealing with someone who cuts corners. If they avoid giving answers, look elsewhere.
Stay safe: Always get multiple quotes from different contractors. Ask questions about any unusually low prices and make sure costs are clearly outlined in the contract.
Follow these tips to protect yourself from a home improvement scam. Stay safe!
2026-10-26
Fraud and Security
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not featured
