Home Repair Scams

How they work:

Someone knocks on your door or calls you.  They say they can fix your leaky roof, install new windows, or provide the latest energy-efficient solar panels.  They might find you after a flood, windstorm or other natural disaster.  They pressure you to act quickly, might ask you to pay in cash, or offer to get you financing.

But here's what happens next: they run off with your money and never make the repairs.  Or they do shoddy repairs that make things worse.  Maybe they even put you in a bad financing agreement that puts your house at risk.

What you can do:

1. Stop. Check it out. Before making home repairs, ask for references, licenses and insurance.  Get three written estimates. Don't start work until you have a signed contract.  And don't pay by cash or wire transfer.

2. Pass this information on to a friend.  You may see through these scams.  But chances are you know someone who could use a friendly reminder.