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  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 18, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , storm chasers   

    Caught in the Home Repair Contractor Scam 

    Caught in the Home Repair Contractor Scam

    By Greg Collier

    From roofing to air conditioning, home service scams are costing homeowners millions. Here’s how to spot the red flags before you open your door or your wallet.

    The Knock That Costs You Thousands:

    It starts with a friendly knock at the door. A contractor says they were “working in the neighborhood” and noticed your roof, driveway, or air conditioning unit looks like it needs urgent repair. They offer a free inspection or a big discount if you hire them on the spot.

    You agree. They ask for a deposit, maybe even half up front, and promise to return the next day with materials and a crew.

    They never come back.

    This simple scam has resurfaced across the U.S. in 2025, fueled by housing demand, extreme weather events, and online ads that make fake contractors look legitimate. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and local Better Business Bureaus are warning homeowners to be cautious of what’s now called the “pop-up home repair scam.”

    What’s Going On:

    1. The Bait: Scammers go door-to-door or post professional-looking ads online offering quick home repair or cleaning services (roofing, HVAC, landscaping, driveway sealing, etc.).
    2. They claim your home has urgent issues that need immediate attention—often citing storm damage, city violations, or “aging systems.”
    3. The Deposit: You’re asked to pay in cash or through a payment app to “lock in today’s price.”
    4. The Disappearance: After collecting money, they either vanish or perform shoddy, incomplete work using cheap materials.
    5. The Aftermath: Victims are left with damaged property, voided insurance claims, and no legal recourse because the contractor was never licensed.

    In Florida, Arizona, and California, police have arrested groups of traveling scammers posing as roofing and driveway specialists, stealing thousands per victim through fake contracts and deposits.

    Why It Works:

    • Trust and urgency: Homeowners fear costly damage and feel pressure to act fast.
    • Professional appearance: Fake contractors use real company logos, uniforms, and polished websites to appear credible.
    • Localized targeting: Scammers often strike after storms or during heatwaves, using neighborhood data and satellite images to appear “familiar.”
    • Hard-to-trace payments: Cash, Venmo, or Zelle payments make recovery almost impossible.

    Red Flags:

    • Unsolicited contractors showing up without an appointment or claiming, “We’re working nearby.”
    • Demands for large deposits before any written estimate or contract.
    • Offers that expire “today only.”
    • Refusal to show proof of licensing, insurance, or local references.
    • Out-of-state license plates or unmarked vehicles.
    • Pressure to pay in cash or peer-to-peer apps rather than through a business account.

    Quick Tip: Before hiring, look up the company name and the contractor’s license number on your state’s licensing board or the Better Business Bureau website. If they can’t provide it immediately, walk away.

    What You Can Do:

    • Get multiple estimates. Compare quotes and timelines from at least three contractors.
    • Insist on a contract. Written agreements should include the company name, license number, timeline, and payment schedule.
    • Never pay in full upfront. Reputable contractors typically ask for a small deposit (10–20%), with the balance due after work completion.
    • Check reviews. Use Google, Yelp, and your state’s contractor board to confirm legitimacy.
    • Ask for ID and licensing. Verify that the person on-site matches the business listed on the estimate.
    • Be wary of “storm chasers.” After natural disasters, scammers flood neighborhoods pretending to offer relief or insurance repair work.

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    1. Stop all contact with the scammer and report the incident to your local police or consumer protection office.
    2. File a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and your state contractor licensing board.
    3. Contact your bank or payment app provider to dispute any payments if possible.
    4. Warn neighbors—many of these scammers target entire neighborhoods at once.
    5. If personal or financial data was shared, monitor your credit and consider a temporary credit freeze.

    Final Thoughts:

    In today’s economy, home service scams are evolving faster than ever. Fraudsters combine traditional door-to-door tactics with digital marketing to appear legitimate, professional, and local.

    The best defense is patience and verification. Real contractors don’t rush decisions or demand large cash deposits. If a deal feels off or “too convenient,” trust your gut—a quick call to your state’s contractor board can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of stress.

    A little research today keeps your home—and your wallet—safe tomorrow.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 27, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , storm chasers,   

    Beware of Scammers After Severe Weather Strikes 

    Beware of Scammers After Severe Weather Strikes

    By Greg Collier

    As Hurricane Helene approaches or makes landfall, the safety of those in the affected areas remains the top priority. This Category 4 storm is expected to bring significant damage to the Florida Panhandle and Southern Georgia. Amid the focus on recovery and well-being, it’s important to also be mindful of potential scams that often surface in the aftermath of natural disasters. Unfortunately, some individuals will exploit these vulnerable times, posing as helpful contractors or service providers. We want to take this opportunity to remind storm victims on how to protect themselves from these con artists.

    After severe weather strikes, it’s not just the damage to homes and properties that residents need to worry about, scammers often take advantage of the chaos, looking to make a quick profit. These opportunists, often referred to as ‘storm chasers’, are not local contractors but individuals who travel from out of state to target areas affected by storms. With legitimate contractors overwhelmed by the sudden demand for repairs, these scammers see a chance to prey on vulnerable homeowners.

    Storm chasers typically present themselves as roofers, tree trimmers, or public adjusters, going door to door in damaged neighborhoods offering their services. While their offers might seem convenient in the wake of a storm, it’s crucial to take a few precautionary steps to ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate professional.

    First, always ask for identification and proof of a business license before agreeing to any work. It’s essential to verify their credentials to ensure they are who they claim to be. Additionally, it’s important to contact your insurance company before proceeding with any repairs. Familiarize yourself with your policy to understand what is covered, so you can avoid any unnecessary expenses or scams.

    While it may seem like a relief to hear someone offer quick fixes, it’s vital to get any agreements in writing. Be extremely cautious when signing anything, especially documents related to your insurance coverage. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to convince homeowners to sign on the spot, claiming that immediate action is needed. This is often a red flag, as reputable contractors will not rush you into a decision.

    It’s also important to take the time to research the company offering repairs. A great starting point is the Better Business Bureau, which can provide information on the credibility and reliability of the contractor. Doing your due diligence now can save you from much larger headaches down the road.

    In preparation for future storms, one proactive step you can take is to document the current state of your property. Walking around your home or business and taking photos or videos of your windows, roof, and other key areas can help you compare conditions after a storm, making it easier to spot genuine damage and avoid being misled by fraudulent contractors.

    In times of disaster, it’s natural to want to restore normalcy as quickly as possible. However, taking these precautions can prevent you from falling victim to the scammers who look to exploit these situations for personal gain.

     

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