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Tip-offs to Home Repair Rip-offs
6 red-flag phrases a con-artist contractor might use
There are many honest, hardworking craftsmen out there eager to get your business as a homeowner. But "con-tractors" intent on scamming their customers are also out there. A phrase may be a tip-off to a home repair rip-off.
Among the phrases to look out for:
1. "I was in the neighborhood."
Beware of the handyman who comes knocking unsolicited, with news that he happened to notice some problem with your home's roof, driveway, chimney, windows, etc., while driving by or working on a neighbor's home. Good contractors are usually too busy to make unsolicited house calls, rarely have to travel far for work, and may lack x-ray vision. For the scammers, the goal is to do a fast and faulty repair.
2. "I need cash upfront. Or at least a large deposit."
Don't pay a large percentage upfront - it's too easy for a fix-it fraudster to take the money and run.
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3. "I can help you finance the project."
Sometimes these loans are the fraudster's real incentive. And once paperwork is signed, "the contractor, who may have been paid by the lender, has little interest in completing the work to your satisfaction," says the Federal Trade Commission.
4. "Check my references."
Indeed, you want to hear this. But you should understand that sleazy contractors can easily supply the names and phone numbers of buddies to give bogus praise. What you want - and will get, from legit workmen - are the names of past local customers, neighbors whose homes can be visited to check their work.
5. "We have a special limited-time offer."
This mantra is common among summertime door-to-door salesmen who claim to represent home improvement companies. And sometimes they do. But any legitimate offer for today should be honored in coming weeks, after you've had a chance to shop around and check references.
6. "I have leftover materials from another job."
His leftovers, his problem - but hiring him could be yours. At best, assume this phrase means the contractor is inexperienced or incompetent for not accurately estimating what was needed for the earlier job.
Adapted from an article by: Sid Kirchheimer in AARP Bulletin August 8, 2011
Sid Kirchheimer is the author of Scam-Proof Your Life, published by AARP Books/Sterling.
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