ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – The Better Business Bureau warns homeowners to stay vigilant against seasonal scams.
The BBB says home improvement scams tend to ramp up in the fall.
“These scams rank as the fifth riskiest for consumers, with a median loss of $1,800, according to our 2024 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report. Fraudsters often take advantage of homeowners during this transitional time, offering unnecessary or substandard services that can cost hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars,” said Dennis Horton, Senior Director of the BBB’s Regional Office in Rockford.
How scammers operate:
- Show up at your door unexpectedly
- Quickly point out what needs repair without much inspection
- Say they have leftover material from a project they finished nearby
- Offer unbelievably low prices
- Only accept cash or check
- Promise an unconditional guarantee on the work
- Push to start work immediately
Typical home improvement scams:
- Chimney and roof repairs: Scammers will pose as chimney sweeps and use hard sales tactics to get you to make unnecessary, expensive repairs to your chimney.
- Fake energy audits and furnace checkups: Be wary of anyone who knocks on your door unsolicited and never let anyone in your home unless you checked out their business ahead of time.
- Gutter cleaning: Scammers target the elderly or those who cannot easily clean their gutters, claiming to have worked in the neighborhood before and quote a low estimate in return for incomplete work.
- Energy audits and furnace repairs: Scammers may offer a “free” energy audit to reduce heating costs, claiming to be part of your local utility company. They insist on costly upgrades and may burglarize your home while conducting the audit.
- Ductwork cleaning: This is rarely a necessity, so be cautious of scammers who may damage your heating system while cleaning, causing the need for additional repairs and possibly creating indoor air hazards.
BBB recommends:
- Insist on seeing references and ask past customers detailed questions.
- Request a bid in writing and compare it with other contractors.
- Get a written contract that includes a detailed description of the work, material costs, start and completion dates and warranty information before you pay anything.
- Verify all work is satisfactory before making the final payment.
- Check the BBB website for contractor ratings and reviews.
- Use the free “Get A Quote” service through the BBB to connect with a trustworthy business.
If you have spotted a scam, report it to BBB’s Scam Tracker.
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