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.