Beware Of Fake Contractors
Typical scams
- Roof repair: They may slide a few new shingles under old ones, then spray the roof with useless oil.
- Sealant: They use a watery liquid or oil as a fake sealant on driveways, fencing, or roofing.
- Paving: Their workmanship is substandard, usually only laying down a thin layer of paving that soon breaks part.
- Leftover materials: They say they will save you money by using leftover materials from another house in the area.
- Diversion: One person distracts you while the other slips into the house to steal valuables.
Red flags
- Unmarked vehicles with out-of-state plates.
- Business card doesn’t list a CCB license number (or lists a fake one). It may also give an 800 phone number and a PO box as an address.
- The people seem friendly but talk fast to confuse you and use scare tactics, saying your repairs must be done immediately or your home will be unsafe.
- An offer to use your home as a display home for a discounted price.
- An offer for a discount if you find them more customers in the area.
- Resistance to a written estimate and contract.
- A very low estimate. A price that is too good to be true often turns into a construction nightmare.
Protect yourself
- Check with the CCB to make sure anyone you might hire is licensed. Call 503-378-4621 to verify information and ask about any complaint history.
- Never agree to buy services on the spot. Always get a few more bids from other contractors before making a decision.
- Always get a written contract that includes a detailed description of the work, materials, costs, start and end dates.
- Never pay the full amount up front and don’t pay in cash. Write your check to the business name that you have contracted with to do the repair or project.
