Protecting Yourself from Scams

Before acting on a contractor’s offer for services, heed the following advice to avoid becoming a victim:

Beware of contractor or roofing representatives going door-to-door after a disaster.
Call your insurance agent or insurance company before signing a contract or paying for repairs. Don’t let the contractor work directly with your insurance company unless your agent gives approval.
Work with only licensed and insured contractors.
Get more than one estimate. Don’t be pushed into signing a contract right away.
Get everything in writing. The cost and the type of work to be done, time schedule, guarantees, payment schedule and other expectations should be detailed.
Require references and check them out.
Ask to see the salesperson’s driver’s license. Write down the license number. Also take down his or her license plate number.
Never sign a contract with blanks. Fraudulent contractors may enter unacceptable terms later.
Never pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate until the work is completed.

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