Don't Get Scammed 09162021

9 Fraud having to do with property repair usually involves unethical or incompetent building contractors Consumers should be aware of the following red flags when getting quotes from building contractors: • The contractor does not maintain a local work office and/or does not have a local telephone number • The contractor is not able or willing to provide references • The contractor’s place of contact is a hotel, tavern, work truck, or another place that is not his/her place of employment or residence • The contractor handles all business in person, avoiding the use of the mail • The contractor wants a full cash payment up-front • The contractor does not have adequate equipment to perform the job • The contractor arrives at a loss site (home or business) without being solicited • The contractor’s estimate is very general • The contractor does not have a contractor’s license bond • The contractor is unwilling to provide a certificate of insurance from his/her general liability or workers compensation insurance carrier • The contractor’s bid is far below the bids you have received from other contractors The old adage “if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is” applies here Important Points to Remember About Property Repair Fraud