Housing Tip of the Week: Avoid Contractor Scams

Please be extremely careful about contractor scams. Too often, our older adults are being scammed by people who do not have their best interests in mind when they try to have repairs done on their homes. If you come into contact with one of these scammers, be sure to inform a family member before signing anything. Our office can also assist on how to identify a scammer. Here are a few tips to follow:

1. Make sure to shop around. Do not settle for the first contractor that you interact with. It's important to have options and see how they differ.

2. Never pay upfront. A licensed contractor may ask for a deposit before starting the job but never the full amount.

3. Do not trust contractors who come to your door or call unsolicited. Many of them will offer a discount or say they just finished a job nearby. Do not trust it. Do your research to find a trusted and licensed contractor.

Please see the images below for additional tips on how to avoid these scams. Or click here.