When something breaks in your home, it’s natural to want it fixed quickly. Whether it’s a leaking roof, faulty wiring, damaged siding, or a broken HVAC system, most homeowners are eager to get repairs underway as soon as possible. Unfortunately, scammers and dishonest contractors know this, and many use urgency to gain access to homes and homeowners’ wallets.
Home improvement scams can result in financial losses, unfinished projects, property damage, and even theft. Believe it or not, contractor fraud actually costs Americans billions of dollars every year, with around 1 in 10 Americans falling for this type of scam. Before you open your door to the next contractor, here are four reasons you should think twice about letting them in (and what to keep an eye on).