Well, it's that time of year again!

 

Each summer it seems, there are a number of reports in the Metrowest area of the contractor scam.  Marlborough is the first town I've seen this year to report them, but they can (and do) happen in every town in Metrowest.  More on the official notice from the Metrowest News on the link below, but here's some general head's up information:

 

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What's a Contractor Scam?

These scams have several different variants. I'm going to describe some of the more common ones that have been explained to me (fortunately, I haven't actually seen a perpetrator yet, but I hear they prey primarily on the elderly.)

 

Type #1: We're in the neighborhood.

A Little Research Can Protect You

From Scammers

This scam is often used by purported driveway fellows, but it can work across multiple industries.  The scammers knock on your door, and say "We just finished paving a driveway on a home in the neighborhood, and we have extra material.  We don't want to bring it back to the shop, and we can use it to repair your driveway, for a discount."  Sometimes, they ask for a deposit - and then never show up.  Sometimes, they give you a "deal", but the amount of material and quality of work are far below what they promise at the time. And sometimes it's some other type of scam.  Remember, there's no stock formula.

 

Type #2: You've Won a Prize

This one often comes over the phone, not through the door.  They call up, say that you've won a prize, but in order to collect, you must pay the "contest entry fee".  The prize is usually a large denomination, and the entry fee is usually smaller (so pay $300 to collect $3000).  But you won't get paid.  Validate who your callers are by calling them back.

 

Type #3: You're not Up To Code

This is similar to number one, in that they knock on the door telling you that work has been done on your home that's not up to code and it needs to be fixed.  This is very unlikely to be true, as this is not how towns enforce code regulations.

 

How To Protect Yourself From Contractor Scams

  1. Be Wary of Anyone Who Knocks First.  They aren't all bad guys, but this is the way the bad guys maintain their anonymity.
  2. If it Sounds Too Good To Be True:  It is.  No one works for 75% off.
  3. Get Contracts for Work, Establish a Paper Trail:  Real Contractors proposed bids on letterhead, with their brand fully on display, business cards and the like.  They back up their work with guarantees and promises.  They also have phone numbers that can be called, and often websites and e-mail addresses that can be looked up. They take checks, and do not require cash. Do as many of these as you can to make sure the person who is here today can be found tomorrow if there's a problem.
  4. Beware of "Today Only":  If they want the business they'll come back tomorrow after you check them out.  So go slow, and don't let anyone rush you into making an important decision about your money and your house.
  5. Get Competitive Bids.  Find out what you might not know by getting your WRITTEN estimate reviewed by another contractor, that you call yourself.  He may tell you things you need to ask about, and warn you about industry deceptive practices.
  6. And ALWAYS contact authorities (your local police department) about any suspicious activity.  Remember, your neighbors might be next on their list.  It's better to be over protective or your neighborhood than regret making that phone call later.

 

 

 

Do Good Things Today!

 

 Matt Heisler

*All information is posted in good faith and is assumed to be reliable, but may rely on third party information sources.