How to Protect Yourself From Home Improvement Fraud

The con artist's philosophy is "the gullible were put on this earth to be gulled. In the past, con artists were usually referred to as con men. This is no longer the case as more and more women have become involved in con games. The goal is to GET YOUR MONEY. You will learn HOW NOT TO GET CONNED.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• The only thing you will need is the common sense not to believe you can get something for nothing.

1. WATCH OUT IF:
   You are offered a very low price for an expensive job.
   Someone tells you they were just in the neighborhood and noticed you needed some work done.

2. THE MOST POPULAR TYPES OF HOME IMPROVEMENT FRAUDS ARE:
   Roof Repair
   Painting
   Driveway sealing
   Termite inspection

3. Be suspicious of high-pressure sales efforts. Take your time and think about it before you okay any work or pay for anything.

4. Get all agreements in writing. Be sure you understand the agreement before you sign. If it is a major project have a lawyer look over the agreement before you sign.

5. Always get several estimates for every repair job and compare prices and terms. Be sure to check if there is a charge for the estimate.

6. Get referrals from your friends. If they are recommending them, it should be a legitimate company. If your friends had been scammed, I am sure you would have heard about it.

7. Check identification of all "inspectors."

8. Call the Better Business Bureau to check the companies reputation.

9. NEVER PAY WITH CASH - pay with a check and never pay before the entire amount before the work is done

Tips & Warnings

• Always listen to that little voice that tells you, "it's too good to be true" because most of the time IT IS.
• WATCH OUT IF: You are offered a very low price for an expensive job.
• Someone tells you they were just in the neighborhood and offer you a free inspection.
• The most popular home improvement frauds are roof repair, painting, driveway sealing and termite inspection.

[bethandlee]

on 3/31/2009 Thanks for the precautions. 5*

[kaytay]

on 3/23/2009 home improvement fraud is so common. thanks for sharing

[tundranut]

on 3/22/2009 I need to get this article tattood on my person so I never forget it. Thanks! 5*